What is a fraternity and sorority?
Fraternities (men) and sororities (women) are student associations – often referred to as secret, Greek-lettered societies. Fraternities and sororities have been part of the higher education landscape for almost two centuries. The first fraternity at the university (then Massachusetts Agricultural College) was founded in 1869, and the first sorority was founded in 1916. Most fraternities and sororities are affiliated with a national organization, although our campus hosts three UMass Amherst only chapters-often called “locals”. Social fraternities and sororities should not be confused with the many academic and honor societies that operate on campus. Both share the Greek-letter name and have some other similarities, but each serves a different function. It is possible for a student to be a member of a social fraternity/sorority and an academic or honor society.
