What is Lambda Phi Epsilon?

Lambda Phi Epsilon is the fastest growing Asian-Interest Fraternity Nationwide. In the previous semester we had welcomed two new Chapters totaling now 37 Chapters nation-wide from University of Michigan to UT Austin and from New York University to UCLA. By participating in our Rush Events, by pledging for Lambda Phi Epsilon, and by becoming a Brother you will learn much more.

What does the term Rush mean?

The term Rush refers to the first step in an individual’s journey towards the pledging process. During rush, an individual will be able to learn more about the fraternity by participating in rush functions thrown by the fraternity. This period of being a rushee, allows that individual and the brothers of Lambda Phi Epsilon to learn more about one another.

What does it mean to be a Pledge?

Once you and the brothers of Lambda Phi Epsilon feel that you are able and willing to take the next step towards eternal brotherhood, a “bid” will be given to that individual. By accepting the “bid,” this individual will become a “pledge” and begin a long and beneficial road towards becoming a brother of Lambda Phi Epsilon.

Misconceptions:

Take a moment and think about what you "know" regarding Greek life and your source for knowing it. Is it primarily from watching movies like "Legally Blonde" or "Revenge of the Nerds?" Is it from a family member or friend who has gone through "rush" at a large university? Is it from some of the people you have met on the University of Chicago campus who have filled you in on the "stereotype" of each fraternity and sorority?

The University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter sets very high expectations. We are about academics, leadership, involvement, community service, brotherhood and having active social lives.

The recruitment process at the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter is unlike that of large universities and perhaps even unlike other small colleges. You do not have to look a certain way, dress a certain way or act a certain way to become a member of our fraternity. You just have to be yourself, participate in rush, enjoy meeting lots of new people and be open.

Not everyone on the University of Chicago campus is a fan of the Greek system. Most students not affiliated with the Greek system chose not to join a group because Greek life did not fit their lifestyle. They are not against the Greek system; it is just not for them. A small minority of students actually dislikes the Greek system and is sometimes very vocal in denouncing it to new students. Our hope is that you will form your own opinion of the Greek system based on your experience with it and not be swayed by either the positive or negative opinions of other students. Greek life may be an excellent choice for you and we encourage you to participate in the rush process at the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter.

1. Academics
Myth: Fraternity men have low GPAs.
Fact : The average GPA of fraternity men is typically higher than the all-men's average GPA for a number of reasons. First of all, the reason you came to the University of Chicago is to further your education, and the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter acknowledges that. Study hours are mandatory for all new members. It is easier to create study groups and better study habits when you register for classes with your brothers, and it even adds a little friendly competition for work and test scores.

2. Finances
Myth: Fraternities are SO expensive. They can't be worth it.
Fact: Although fraternities can appear costly, there is a much higher benefit to those costs.

3. Social
Myth: If I join a fraternity, I will become one of those beer drinking pigs.
Fact: The University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter has strict alcohol management policies that are strongly enforced.

Plus, there is no better way for you to make friends around campus. Being in a new environment is a very scary experience, but by rushing the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter, much of that discomfort is reversed and you can start feeling at home once again. The University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter gives you a place to call home, and will meet thousands of people through different events and activities. Feeling left out and without friends is a horrible feeling, so jump right in to the social life!

4. Networking
Myth: N/A
Fact: Becoming a rushee to the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter is such a great way to meet people and become involved around both the campus and the community. The brothers of University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter will meet professionals from all different careers and start boosting their connections and make finding a job an easier task.

5. Dry Rush
Myth: I will feel pressured into drinking when I join a fraternity.
Fact: Joining a fraternity is an individual's decision. The rush process is an evaluation for a potential new member to decide if they want to pledge a fraternity or not.

6. Zero Tolerance for Hazing
Myth: I will be hazed and that hazing might involve alcohol.
Fact: This is a new era in fraternity life, and it is a lot different than several decades ago. Both the national fraternity and the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter have a zero tolerance for hazing in any form

7. Campus Involvement
Myth: There are better organizations to get involved in on campus.
Fact: The University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter provides an excellent opportunity for students to become involved. There is no better well rounded club or organization that can help develop management, time management, budget, and many more skills than the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter can provide. It brings a whole new meaning to the word "team."

Also, the brothers of the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter are encouraged to join other organizations on campus, as the benefits of being involved elsewhere on campus are felt by the chapter as well as the other organizations.

8. Community Service
Myth: Fraternities don't do anything but throw big parties and get drunk.
Fact: The University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter enforces a minimum number of hours of community service. The signature philanthropic event of Lambda Phi Epsilon is the annual registering drive for the Asian American Donor Program (AADP). This helps promote awareness for leukemia and other blood disorders, whose patients require bone marrow transplants. Their best hope for matched donors are those within their Asian American community. The more people that register, the better chance of finding matches for those in need.

9. Leadership Training
Myth: Fraternities engage in few, if any, activities that better their members.
Fact: The brothers of the University of Chicago Lambda Phi Epsilon Psi Chapter constantly attend conventions, conferences, retreats and seminars that cover a variety of topics, including organizational leadership, time management, alcohol abuse, date rape, sexual health, budgeting, networking, and many more!

Want to know anything else?

You’ve got questions? We have got answers. To learn more about Lambda Phi Epsilon, come out to all of our Rush functions. At these functions, you will be able to gain more insight into Lambda Phi Epsilon here at the University of Chicago.