University of Utah Greek System....

[mUUser]

My daughter is considering Utah (as well as BYU and USU), and is interested in joining a sorority. She's LDS, doesn't drink, and indicates she has no interest in starting. She'll live in the dorms her freshman year.

Does anyone on this board have any knowledge on sorority life at the U that they'd be willing to share?

[il Padrino Ute]

My daughter is considering Utah (as well as BYU and USU), and is interested in joining a sorority. She's LDS, doesn't drink, and indicates she has no interest in starting. She'll live in the dorms her freshman year.

Does anyone on this board have any knowledge on sorority life at the U that they'd be willing to share?

Is an LDS sorority an viable option?

[NorthwestUteFan]

Is an LDS sorority an viable option?

I thought those were going away?

My sister and both SILs were in Greek sororities, and both of my brothers were in fraternities. They all had wonderful experiences. Very highly recommended. The service opportunities available, and the opportunity to interface with the movers and shakers in society, make it well worth it.

And now they know the secret handshake wherever they go...

[hostile]

Is an LDS sorority an viable option?

As of several weeks ago, the LDSSA no longer exists; the church stopped the program.

I don't know the current state of the Greek system at the U. It tends to wax and wane in popularity. The sororities seem to do better maintaining numbers and activity. At present I think there are 6 sorority houses. Despite the presence of LDS individuals in every house (at various percentages and activity levels), there will always be exposure to "vices" - sex, drugs, alcohol.

I think it is a great way to meet people who may be different those you grew up with. It helps you get involved on campus and avoid the monotony of going to class/hang out in the dorm.

I'm biased to a couple houses due to family (sisters/mom are DG's; wife/MIL are Kappas)

[Katy Lied]

As of several weeks ago, the LDSSA no longer exists; the church stopped the program.

What do you mean? As recently as the OSU game the LDSSA was sponsoring a dance afterward.

[UteStar]

What do you mean? As recently as the OSU game the LDSSA was sponsoring a dance afterward.

The LDS fraternity and sorority system is gone. The Institute still does a bunch of things but those systems were gone this year.

The Greek system has struggled over the past decade. I still like it though. I still think it has some terrific things about it and can be a great experience. The strong ones are still the Kappas, DGs and Chi Omegas. I have no idea how long the Greek system will last at the U. I think it will last...but it seems every other year or two, another chapter goes down.

[Katy Lied]

So when I wear my Lambda Delta Sigma pin everyone thinks I'm old school?

[hostile]

What do you mean? As recently as the OSU game the LDSSA was sponsoring a dance afterward.

Sorry. Poor explanation on my part. LDSSA, through the institute, is still functioning. The fraternity/sorority system associated with LDSSA is no longer available.

[mUUser]

The LDS fraternity and sorority system is gone.
.......The Greek system has struggled over the past decade.

Now that the lds system is toast, I'd think the Greek system will grow in strength over the next several years.

If she chooses Utah, my knee-jerk reaction is to encourage her to rush as I've yet to come across someone who was active in their house that had a negative experience. I'm sure they're out there, but seems to be the exception to the rule.

[Paperback Writer]

I think a lot could depend on whether the student attending the U is from out of state. I have a brother who joined a frat at the U and it was the right choice since he was from the midwest and didn't know anyone at the university. Joining a frat allowed him to quickly meet people and establish life long friendships.

Also, what are the housing or dorm options at the U? That's also a consideration with the Greek system as living in a frat or sorority house might be a good choice in comparision to dorms or apartment options.

[hostile]

I think a lot could depend on whether the student attending the U is from out of state. I have a brother who joined a frat at the U and it was the right choice since he was from the midwest and didn't know anyone at the university. Joining a frat allowed him to quickly meet people and establish life long friendships.

Also, what are the housing or dorm options at the U? That's also a consideration with the Greek system as living in a frat or sorority house might be a good choice in comparision to dorms or apartment options.

I wouldn't plan on living in a fraternity/sorority house freshman year. Unlike fraternity/sorority houses in the midwest, which are huge and built to house the entire group, the houses at Utah are much smaller - typically enough room to house 2 dozen or so, at the most. Several spots go to the house officers and the remaining are given out on first come/first serve basis, by seniority. That being said, many of the members are local and have other housing options (yes, it's a commuter school) so after freshman year, there may be an open spot.

[LA Ute]

My daughter is considering Utah (as well as BYU and USU), and is interested in joining a sorority. She's LDS, doesn't drink, and indicates she has no interest in starting. She'll live in the dorms her freshman year.

Does anyone on this board have any knowledge on sorority life at the U that they'd be willing to share?

There are sororities that are quite LDS-friendly. Chi Omega, for example. There is an Intrafraternity Council (or something along those lines) that can give you insight. Lots of LDS kids are Greeks. For an out-of-town kid, it's a good way at a heavily commuter school like Utah to make friends and connections.

For a freshman, the dorms are great. Very nice setting, new, and with large, vibrant student wards.

[NorthwestUteFan]

My SIL was a Chi Omega at the U, and sister and other SIL were in Chi O at Utah State. Several close friends who are outstanding people were in Alpha Chi and Delta Gamma. It really comes down to personality more than anything else to know which sorority is "best", but it is actually hard to avoid a strong LDS influence at the U. All of the organizations are great and will give your daughter excellent service and leadership experiences.