Scholarship and Academics
A primary function of sororities is to develop high scholastic achievement within its members. Pepperdine is home to some of the top chapters in the nation based on their high academic, leadership, and philanthropic achievements. Many of our members have been recognized as Fulbright Scholars, Regent Scholars, and many are members of a variety of undergraduate honors societies. In 2018, Panhellenic established a chapter of Gamma Sigma Alpha, a Greek National Honors Society that all members of Fraternity & Sorority Life with a 3.5 GPA in their junior or senior year. Lastly, Panhellenic wants members to be reward for their academic endeavors. Our Vice President of Education updates our Scholarship page to help women find financial assistance.
Leadership
Sororities provide training in the principles of leadership, organization, and communication for all of their members. Additionally, members are provided with multiple opportunities for both on- and off-campus leadership. Most of our sorority women are actively involved in one or more other organizations outside of Panhellenic, and many of them hold leadership positions in those organizations. Within the Panhellenic Association, there are several ways for members to gain experiences: Panhellenic Executive Board, Panhellenic Delegates, and the Junior Panhellenic Council (JPC). While the Panhellenic Delegates are appointed within the chapters, members can apply to serve on the Panhellenic Executive Board in the fall semester. The JPC is a unique leadership experience for new members/initiates led by our Vice President of Member Development to learn the foundations of leadership to prepare them for future roles within sorority life.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Panhellenic Association has been working diligently to make changes in our Panhellenic community to foster a more diverse, equal, and inclusive Pepperdine Panhellenic experience for all women. Panhellenic is committed to continual review membership recruitment and the member experience to ensure that all that participate feel seen, heard, and validated. Diversity includes: race, ethnicity, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, nationality/citizenship, religious affiliation, and many more identities. Panhellenic exercises inclusion to make sure that privilege is acknowledged and members don’t feel disenfranchised in the sorority experience. Our Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion works to educate, train, and provide advocacy to our campus community and beyond. Together we can create a Panhellenic community that is accessible and inviting to all women.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Helping others is a primary component of Pepperdine Fraternity & Sorority Life. Each group sponsors a multitude of activities that donate time and raise money for philanthropies. The spirit of reaching out to help others is the unifying dynamic of our community. Our community is heavily involved both within their chapters and individually with a multitude of service organizations including Project Serve, Jumpstart, and a variety of local ministries. Each chapter participates and supports the philanthropic efforts of each fraternity and sorority on campus in their yearly philanthropy event. Regarding service, each chapter has specific requirements for individual service hours. Collectively the Panhellenic community completed over 6,000 community service hours either through the Pepperdine Volunteer Center, through their home churches, or in individual efforts!
Friendship and Networking
Sororities provide an environment where life-lasting bonds of friendship are made. This aspect of sisterhood is one of the greatest advantages of Panhellenic membership. From mentorship, big/little matches, sisterhood retreats, and other opportunities for bonding, members develop relationships unlike any other. However, these relationships go beyond the undergraduate experience through alumni networking. These alumni provide job opportunities and often ease members’ transitions to new cities after graduation.