What is a Fraternity/Sorority?

What is a Fraternity or Sorority?
A fraternity or sorority is a values-based brotherhood or sisterhood formed around shared goals, traditions, and lifelong bonds. Members of these organizations commit to supporting one another academically, socially, and personally—often for life. These groups, often referred to as Greek organizations, offer friendship, leadership development, service opportunities, and a tight-knit community. Together, members learn, grow, and strengthen their chapters while building connections that last well beyond college.

At the University of New Mexico, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is synonymous with involvement, leadership, and progress. Since the university’s founding in 1889, FSL has shaped the student experience, fostering a legacy of excellence, pride, and connection. Fraternities and sororities continue to evolve, adapting to modern student needs while remaining focused on Leading Lobos to What’s Next.

Why Join a Fraternity or Sorority?
Joining a fraternity or sorority isn’t just about friendship—it’s about personal and professional growth. At UNM, students join for many reasons:

  • Belonging and Connection – Build meaningful relationships with people who will support and challenge you.

  • Leadership Experience – Take on real leadership roles that prepare you for life after college.

  • Academic Support – Many chapters provide mentoring, tutoring, and resources to help you succeed.

  • Service and Impact – Give back to the community through hands-on service and philanthropy.

  • Tradition and Legacy – Be part of something bigger than yourself—something with deep roots and lasting influence.

  • Career Development – Gain skills in teamwork, communication, event planning, and more—all of which employers value.

Our Four Fraternity & Sorority Councils
Fraternity and Sorority Life at UNM is made up of four unique governing councils. Each one represents a different group of organizations, with distinct histories, values, and recruitment styles. While each council is different, all are united by a shared purpose: building community and helping students thrive.

Interfraternity Council (IFC)
IFC represents traditional men’s fraternities, many of which have deep national histories dating back to the 1800s. The fraternity movement began in 1776 with Phi Beta Kappa and evolved into a network of social organizations promoting brotherhood, scholarship, leadership, and service.

At UNM, the IFC includes nationally affiliated fraternities that host a structured recruitment process each semester, especially in the fall. These groups emphasize lifelong brotherhood, campus involvement, and leadership development.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)
NPHC is the governing body for the Divine Nine—nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations that began forming in the early 20th century. These groups were founded in response to racial exclusion from mainstream fraternities and sororities and have since become nationally respected for their focus on service, academic excellence, cultural pride, and social justice.

UNM’s NPHC organizations conduct intake (membership selection) through interest meetings and chapter-hosted events, typically during the academic year. NPHC offers a powerful and affirming space rooted in tradition and Black excellence.

Panhellenic Association
The Panhellenic Association governs National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities at UNM. The first of these organizations emerged in the mid-to-late 1800s as women sought their own spaces for academic support, leadership, and social life. NPC was officially formed in 1902 to unite these groups under a shared mission.

Today, Panhellenic sororities at UNM offer a supportive community for women that emphasizes sisterhood, scholarship, and service. They host a formal recruitment process each fall, welcoming potential new members to explore chapter values and traditions.

United Greek Council (UGC)
UGC serves multicultural fraternities and sororities, many of which were founded in the 1980s and 1990s to support students who had been historically underrepresented in traditional Greek life. These organizations often center Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, Native American, and multicultural identities, with missions grounded in cultural awareness, academic achievement, and community empowerment.

At UNM, UGC chapters offer individualized intake processes and often collaborate to host events that celebrate diversity and cultural education. These organizations offer a close-knit family environment and leadership opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Aren’t Fraternities and Sororities Called "Greek Life"?
Yes—many still refer to this experience as “Greek Life” because many organizations use Greek letters as part of their identity. These letters often carry special meanings shared only among initiated members. However, as the fraternity and sorority community has grown to include organizations that don’t use Greek letters, we use Fraternity & Sorority Life to better reflect and respect the diversity of our councils and members.

The Origin of Fraternity Life in the U.S.
The first fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, was founded in 1776 by students looking for a space to debate current events beyond the classroom. These groups have since evolved into leadership-focused organizations that help members grow ethically, socially, and intellectually. Each fraternity and sorority has its own values and traditions that guide member behavior and engagement.

Fraternity vs. Sorority—What’s the Difference?
The word fraternity comes from the Latin frater, meaning brother, while sorority comes from soror, meaning sister. Originally, all such organizations were referred to as fraternities—including those for women—because “sorority” wasn’t yet a commonly used term. In fact, Gamma Phi Beta became the first to use “sorority” in 1882 at the advice of a Latin professor. Today, many women’s groups retain “fraternity” in their legal names, but most are widely recognized as sororities.