Your In-Depth Guide to Navigating Greek Life at Brown University
So, you’re at Brown, or thinking about coming to Brown, & you’ve heard whispers about Greek life. Maybe a tour guide mentioned it in passing, saying something like, “Yeah, we have it, but it’s not a huge deal.” & honestly, that’s a pretty accurate starting point. Greek life at Brown isn't the all-consuming social engine it is at some big state schools. Only about 10% of undergrads are involved, so you can DEFINITELY have an amazing, full social life without ever stepping foot in a chapter house.
But for that 10%, it’s a significant part of their Brown experience, offering a ready-made community, leadership opportunities, & yes, a party scene. If you're curious about what it's really like, you've come to the right place. I’m going to break down the entire system for you – the different councils, the on-campus vs. off-campus drama, the vibes of the individual chapters, & the recruitment process. Think of this as your insider’s guide.
The Big Picture: How Greek Life is Structured at Brown
First thing to know is that not all Greek organizations are the same. They're grouped under a few different governing bodies, & each has its own unique flavor. All recognized Greek organizations fall under the umbrella of the Brown Greek Council, which works with the Office of Residential Life to set policies. But within that, there are three main councils you'll hear about:
- National Panhellenic Council (NPC): This is the big one for nationally recognized sororities.
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC): This council is home to the "Divine Nine," which are historically Black Greek letter organizations.
- Independent Council: This is a mix of locally-based fraternities & gender-inclusive organizations that are unique to Brown.
Let's dive into what makes each of these tick.
The Sorority Scene: The National Panhellenic Council (NPC)
If you're a woman thinking about rushing a sorority at Brown, you'll be dealing with the NPC. This council oversees the four nationally recognized sororities on campus. These chapters are all residential, meaning they have dedicated space for members to live in university residence halls, mostly on Wriston Quad.
One of the biggest things to know about NPC recruitment is that it's a formal, structured process that happens in the spring semester. It’s designed to be a "mutual selection process," where you get to know the chapters & they get to know you. It involves a few rounds of events over a weekend, from open houses to more intimate "preference" events. It can sound a little intimidating, but students say it's pretty low-stakes at Brown compared to other schools.
Here's a quick rundown of the NPC sororities:
- Alpha Chi Omega (AXO): Housed in Sears House, AXO was the first national sorority on Brown's campus, founded in 1979. Their philanthropy is focused on domestic violence awareness. They've been recognized for their diversity & inclusion efforts & are known for having a strong, supportive sisterhood.
- Delta Gamma (DG): One of the newer chapters on campus, DG was established at Brown in 2018. Their motto is "Do Good," & their philanthropy is Service for Sight, which supports the blind & visually impaired. DG members are known to be super involved in all sorts of campus activities, from student publications to the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME).
- Kappa Alpha Theta (Theta): Theta has a long history at Brown, first established in 1897. As the first Greek-letter fraternity for women nationally, they have a legacy of female leadership. Their national philanthropy is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), which helps children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
- Kappa Delta (KD): KD is another one of the four NPC sororities at Brown. Like the others, they participate in the formal spring recruitment process & have a strong focus on philanthropy & sisterhood. In recent years, they've seen a significant increase in membership, reflecting a broader resurgence of interest in Greek life post-pandemic.
The sorority scene at Brown seems to be on an upswing. After a dip in interest during the pandemic & amid the national "Abolish Greek Life" movement, recruitment numbers have been climbing again. Students in sororities emphasize the strong sense of community & the opportunity to meet people from different corners of campus life.
The Divine Nine: The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
The NPHC is the governing council for the six historically Black Greek letter organizations at Brown, known as the "Divine Nine." These organizations have a rich history & a strong focus on scholarship, service, & cultural awareness. Unlike the NPC & Independent Council chapters, the NPHC organizations are non-residential.
The recruitment process for NPHC chapters is called "Intake," & it's a very different experience from the formal sorority rush. Each organization conducts its own intake process, typically in the spring semester, though sometimes in the fall for students with sophomore standing or higher. It's a more private & selective process, so if you're interested in joining an NPHC organization, the best approach is to do your research, attend informational events, & get to know the members of the chapter you're interested in.
Here are the NPHC chapters at Brown:
Fraternities:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.: The first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men, founded in 1906.
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.: Known for their "Krimson and Kreme" colors & the traditional carrying of canes.
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.: The Theta Epsilon chapter was chartered at Brown in 1947 & includes members from other local universities like RISD & Johnson & Wales.
Sororities:
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
These organizations play a vital role in the cultural life of the campus, providing a strong sense of community & lifelong connections for their members.
The Independent Streak: The Independent Council
The Independent Council at Brown is where you'll find the locally-based fraternities & gender-inclusive organizations. This is a really unique aspect of Brown's Greek life, as it's not something you see at every university. These chapters have their own distinct personalities & histories, & they offer a different kind of Greek experience.
Recruitment for the Independent Council chapters is also a less formal process than the NPC sororities. It usually happens in the early spring, with each organization hosting its own events to get to know potential new members. If you're interested in one of these chapters, you'll need to reach out to them directly to find out about their recruitment schedule.
Here's a look at the chapters in the Independent Council:
Independent Fraternities:
- Beta Rho Phi (Beta): Often known as the "Jewish frat," though many of its members are not Jewish. They have a reputation for a "work hard, play hard" vibe, balancing academics with a lively social scene.
- Delta Tau (DTau): Located in Sears House, DTau has a reputation for being a more laid-back, "weed frat." They're known for throwing occasional parties & giving out a lot of bids.
- Zeta Delta Xi (Zete): Zete is known as the LGBTQ+ friendly frat, with a diverse & quirky membership. They're known for their unique & fun parties.
Gender-Inclusive Organizations:
- Alpha Delta Phi (ADPhi): A co-ed, gender-inclusive literary society. They're not known for big parties, but for fostering a close-knit, quirky community of members who enjoy having fun in smaller groups.
- Kappa Alpha Psi (KAPi): A newer addition to the gender-inclusive scene, offering another option for students looking for a co-ed Greek experience.
The On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Divide: What You Need to Know
This is a BIG topic of conversation when it comes to the fraternity scene at Brown. You'll hear students talking about "on-campus" & "off-campus" frats, & it's an important distinction to understand.
On-Campus Fraternities: These are the fraternities that are officially recognized by the university. They have housing on Wriston Quad, which is a HUGE plus for members who want to live with their brothers as early as their sophomore year. Being on-campus also means they're officially part of the Brown community, which can be a benefit for things like networking & putting the fraternity on your resume.
Off-Campus Fraternities: These are fraternities that were once recognized by Brown but have been "derecognized" for various policy violations. They still operate, but they do so "underground," without university oversight. They often have off-campus houses where they throw parties. The big downside is that they can't offer sophomore housing, & their reputation can sometimes be a bit more complicated.
Here are some of the fraternities that are currently operating off-campus:
- Sigma Chi (Sig Chi): Kicked off campus in 2019, Sigma Chi is often described as the "classic 'fratty' frat." They have a reputation for hard partying & a selective rush process.
- Phi Kappa Psi (Phi Psi/Lantern): Derecognized in 2015, Phi Psi has a more secretive, "underground" vibe. They're known for having a very tight-knit brotherhood, but their name still carries some negative connotations from past incidents.
- Delta Phi (DPhi): Known as the "lax frat," DPhi has a reputation for being made up of athletes & wealthy students. They've been on & off probation & are currently operating off-campus.
It's important to be aware of the status of these off-campus fraternities, as their relationship with the university (or lack thereof) can impact the experience of being a member.
The Social Scene & The "Abolish Greek Life" Conversation
Let's be real: for many people, the appeal of Greek life is the social aspect. & at Brown, fraternities are definitely a source of parties, especially for freshmen & sophomores. However, Brown is NOT a "party school" in the traditional sense, & the social scene is much more diverse than just frat parties. There are always other things going on, from student group events to dorm parties to just hanging out with friends.
It's also important to acknowledge the "Abolish Greek Life" movement, which has had a presence at Brown, as it has on many other college campuses. This movement raises important questions about the inclusivity, equity, & safety of Greek life systems. At Brown, it led to some chapters, like Kappa Delta & Kappa Alpha Theta, holding votes to disaffiliate from their national organizations (though they ultimately chose to remain affiliated). This conversation is ongoing, & it's a good thing to be aware of as you consider whether Greek life is right for you. The good news is that many chapters at Brown are actively working to be more inclusive & to address the valid criticisms that have been raised.
Finding Your Place (and a Place for Your Stuff)
Choosing whether or not to join a Greek organization is a really personal decision. My advice? Go to some of the recruitment events with an open mind. You'll meet a lot of new people, & you'll get a better sense of whether you vibe with any of the chapters. The low-pressure nature of Brown's Greek scene means you can explore it without feeling like you have to join.
& as you're navigating college life, whether you're in a Greek house or a dorm, you'll quickly realize that space is at a premium. Between textbooks, seasonal clothes, & all the other stuff you accumulate, a dorm room can start to feel pretty cramped. That’s where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Turns out, you can rent out a spot in someone’s garage, attic, or basement for a fraction of the cost of a traditional storage unit. It's a pretty cool way to find affordable, convenient storage right in the neighborhood. Same goes for parking - if you're lucky enough to have a car on campus, finding a spot can be a nightmare, especially on the East Side of Providence. Prked lets you rent a private driveway from a local homeowner, so you're not endlessly circling, looking for a spot.
Hope this was helpful in demystifying the world of Greek life at Brown. It's a unique scene with a lot of different options, so take your time, do your research, & find the community that's right for you. Let me know what you think
