Greek Life at UC Davis has often gotten mixed reviews, so this week I got to peer into the inner workings of the community by interviewing the Panhellenic President, Suzi Jacobs. Panhellenic is the council that manages all 10 Sorority Chapters on our campus and promotes the “academic growth and community involvement” of Greek women at UCD. As president, her job is to make sure each chapter is reaching and exceeding their potential throughout the year. Last year, she transitioned the recruitment process from a “traditional style to a values-based recruitment” that focused on involvement, accomplishments, and philanthropy. Panhellenic is in the process of adding two new chapters onto campus, which will bring even more opportunities for membership!
On top of overseeing the success of each chapter, Panhellenic holds fundraising events each quarter to raise money for Cal Aggie Camp, a two-week summer camp that “provides foster youth and underprivileged youth from the greater Sacramento area with unforgettable memories.” There are so many ways to get involved inside the Greek community and Suzi proved to be very passionate about the opportunities she has been given. Take a look at what Suzi had to say about Greek Life at UCD:
What do you believe are the best parts of being in a sorority?
The best part of being in a sorority is relative for each person. Personally, my favorite parts are the other women in my chapter. Each woman has added something different to my life and inspired me to do better. For example, my big encouraged me into my current leadership position as Panhellenic President. Another sister taught me how to cook. Others join me in my other passions. I love knowing that if I ever pursued another organization, job, or community on campus, there is someone in my own chapter that I could ask for help or information. I love the simple human connections and college family I have created.
What has being in a sorority brought you?
It has brought me the complete college experience. I have created memories, friendships, and skills that will last me a lifetime. Through my chapter I have met my best friends, taken risks, gotten a leadership position, and figured out a lot more about myself. These women are the ones who support me daily to reach these goals and create my full college experience. I have gained confidence, learned how to stand up for what I believe in, developed my own opinions on worldly matters, and became academically successful. Being in a sorority has taught me what I believe is the perfect life balance…actually, maybe I could sleep more.
What impacts does the Greek community have on campus?
The Greek community makes an impact in a variety of ways. There are many who are involved in leadership or community initiatives. A lot of Greeks are involved in research positions, work at the Coho, are on UCD athletic teams, hold positions in ASUCD, showcase their talents in A Capella groups, or are in some of the other amazing registered student organizations. The Greek community also provides a huge spirit on campus, and is always ready to represent at everything from sporting games, to events like the March Against Sexual Assault.
Why do you think sororities get a bad rap?
I think people tend to associate Greek Life with exclusivity, which leads to misunderstandings in the general campus. However, anyone and everyone is welcome to join a chapter on campus. I strongly believe there is a chapter that would be a home for everyone. Each chapter has unique values and strengths as a sisterhood, and every person could find themselves aligning with at least one if not many of these houses. The Greek community contains the most active and diverse students on campus whom are involved in numerous clubs, student organizations, jobs, and more. The misunderstandings often come from the inaccurate portrayal of Greek life in the media. A lot of people are not familiar with the expectations of joining a chapter. Members must attend weekly meetings, philanthropy events, service projects, and maintain a minimum GPA requirement. Although it is often portrayed otherwise, the focus of Greek chapters is to come together to make an impact on the larger whole of the student body.
What tips would you have for women considering going through formal recruitment in the fall?
Be yourself! Being your authentic self will give you the opportunity to find people who appreciate the same things, and those will be the people who you form special bonds with. Doing otherwise is cheating yourself and the chapters out of the best experiences. Also, give every chapter a chance. Not keeping an open mind can cause you to miss something awesome or unexpected that you never thought you would enjoy. Lastly, pick the chapter that is full of people you believe will allow you to be your best self.
What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
I would have to say getting to hear about everyone else’s Greek experiences and knowing that I am a part of the group that makes that happen. I put on the annual Fall Recruitment and got the chance to put all the New Members in touch with their chapters. I also get to hear all about the uniqueness and variety in our community. Most importantly, I have been able to keep our organizations growing with the focus of empowering each woman to better herself.
What makes the Greek community at UCD special?
Compared to other campuses, UCD Greek life is really laid back, we celebrate uniqueness, our recruitment process is not as intense, we aren’t as competitive chapter-to-chapter, and we focus on the inter-Greek experience. We are all able to have friends from other chapters that are not our own because each is filled with different types of men and women. Plus the recruitment and overall expectations of Greek life are very different from most schools. Our campus values each woman’s character and strives to make each member of each chapter as awesome as they can be. We work to provide a place with the tools to empower each individual to achieve their own personal success, whatever that may be.
How can I learn more about Going Greek?
E-mail dcpa.vicepresident@gmail.com or dcpa.president@gmail.com
After May 31st, friend Peyton Panhellenic on Facebook for more Fall Recruitment updates!
Where can I register for recruitment?
Sign up online at davispanhellenic.org after May 31st under the Recruitment tab