As a Panhellenic community at the University of Tampa, we must challenge the stereotypes, misconceptions, and gossip often associated with Fraternity and Sorority Life. This involves aligning our actions with our values and directly addressing these misconceptions. Specifically, during recruitment and new member experiences, we often encounter numerous unfounded beliefs and rumors. While being part of a sorority offers an enriching experience, it's important to recognize that the reality of Fraternity and Sorority Life may differ from common perceptions. With 8 chapters at UTampa, there's a welcoming space for any woman interested in joining. Here, we debunk some of the prevalent myths for you.

  • TRUTH: The University of Tampa does NOT tolerate any hazing acts by any student, organization, team, or any other university community member. Hazing is explicitly related to pledging, being initiated into, developing an affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization. Hazing is defined as any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers a person, regardless of a person's willingness to participate, or is otherwise prohibited by Florida Statutes § 1006.63. Students are prohibited from the following:

    — Actively participating in any activity related to hazing.

    — Passively participating in or having knowledge of any activity related to hazing

    At the University of Tampa, all sorority women are educated on the spectrum of hazing and are required to sign an agreement stating their understanding of the University policies and pledge to never haze and never be a bystander to hazing. As a College Panhellenic, it is our priority to create a safe and healthy environment for all sorority women at the University of Tampa.

  • TRUTH: Hazing is not tolerated in the Panhellenic community, nor should it be part of your sorority experience in any way. There are a variety of new member activities and bonding experiences that should be what makes your new member experience. If that is not the case, we ask that you fill out the Silent Witness Form, an anonymous form to report any crimes or incidents: https://www.ut.edu/about-ut/university-services/campus-safety/silent-witness-form.

  • TRUTH: Though being in a sorority is a time commitment (like most things you may join), all 8 sororities at UT highly encourage each and every one of their members to excel in and take time for their other commitments — school, work, student organizations, leadership roles, and community experiences. You can find members of Panhellenic on UT’s dance teams, involved in club and division sports, holding on campus jobs or Tampa Bay internships, and more!

  • TRUTH: All 8 chapters at UT have their own requirements of their members when it comes to academics and even have leadership roles who oversee individualized academic help for members who may be struggling. They also implement study hours each week where they will host events for sisters to study together! In fact, the UT Panhellenic community GPA is higher than that of the UT all Women's GPA. As of fall 2023, the College Panhellenic GPA was a 3.28 while the all Women’s was a 3.22.

  • TRUTH: The costs of sorority membership are not related to “buying friends.” Membership dues pay for the programming, leadership development, and other benefits that members receive on both the local and national levels!

  • TRUTH: Though being a legacy is a very special thing, there is no guarantee that it will impact your recruitment process as every chapter considers legacies differently than the next.

  • TRUTH: Sorority membership extends far beyond the traditional four-year college experience; it's a lifelong commitment. When a woman joins a sorority, she commits to remaining an active member long after her undergraduate years at UT. Although sorority membership is often closely linked with college, alumnae continue to play crucial roles as chapter advisors and mentors for undergraduate women. The ongoing involvement of alumnae greatly enhances the undergraduate sorority experience. Beyond graduation, sorority women enjoy extensive networking opportunities with sisters worldwide, enriching their post-college lives. It’s a sisterhood you can find on any corner of the world!

  • TRUTH: Being in a sorority is a great way to meet people and develop new friendships, but especially at UT, it does not limit you to the people in your chapter. Philanthropic events and other Fraternity and Sorority Life events will allow you to meet women of other chapters. Being on the Panhellenic Recruitment Team or on UT Panhellenic, in general, is a great way to connect with other women in our Panhellenic community.

  • TRUTH: Our campus has 8 chapters for a good reason: so you have 8 opportunities to find your sisters. Each one of you is unique just as every chapter is unique. There is no such thing as a “bad” or “good” sorority. Go in with an open mind!

  • TRUTH: At UT, we love to embrace our differences and the differences of others. We accept all women into our community. We want women who are passionate about their goals and morals, so it doesn’t matter what you look like or what you wear, just about what’s on the inside.

  • TRUTH: Individual chapter members cannot determine to whom the chapter will extend bids. Just because you know someone in a chapter does not mean that particular chapter is the right fit for you— especially if they are in a chapter at a different school!