Candidates for four traditionally black sororities lined up Thursday for an informational session on sorority life and how to join the sisterhood.
African-American Student Services hosted the event for students who wish to join the sororities, which, along with five fraternities, are part of UNM's "Divine Nine," said Marla Wyche-Hall, program manager at the University College Advisement Center.
Wyche-Hall led one of the information sessions.
She said the specialized Greek group was first created in the early 19th century with the mission of improving equality for the black community.
However, it later shifted focus to helping the less fortunate and now accepts members of all ethnicities, Wyche-Hall said.
She told the candidates they would be making a major commitment if they were to join one of the sororities.
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Wyche-Hall said the Divine Nine require a higher GPA than most Greek organizations.
"We want young ladies to be active and productive members of the academic society, and (they) cannot do that with a 1.8," she said. "Scholarship in academia is very important because that was one of the principles that our founders were very critical about, and that's why . we're looking for a 2.75."
Wyche-Hall said students should research the sorority they are interested in before applying to ensure that they are happy with their decision.
Students at the meeting expressed concerns about hazing, which Wyche-Hall said is a rampant problem in Greek life. Despite the University's zero-tolerance policy on hazing, there is a concern that is still commonplace.
"Hazing is a felony, but it is still becoming more and more of a challenge across the country, and this is why we continue to get stricter and stricter standards, because organizations are being sued," Wyche-Hall said.
She said pledges should get to know the "rite of passage" process so they can steer clear of questionable activity in an organization.
Junior Katrice Grant said she only recently found out about the Divine Nine and that while joining one of the sororities might be difficult, she could gain a lot from doing so.
"I have a thing about community service and being involved, and I know that's a main component of the Divine Nine, so that's why I'm really interested in joining," she said.
Sophomore Kimiya Green said tradition influenced her choice.
"Family history plays a big role in my decision. A lot of fraternities and sororities run in my family and have made a huge impact on my life, so that's what really inspires me," she said.
Visit the four sororities online
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
