Women's Panhellenic Association at Wash U

In pledging a sorority, a woman also becomes a member of the Women's Panhellenic Association, otherwise known as Panhel. Panhel is the governing board of all sororities. This organizaiton gives the members of campus sororities a chance to get to know each other and work together in an attempt to enhance the Greek Women's impact on campus. Panhel often works in conjunction with the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) to sponsor events like Greek Week.

There are currently six sororities on the campus of Washington University, Alpha Phi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Chi Omega, and Delta Gamma.

The fraternities on the Washington University campus making up IFC are Sigma Chi, Theta Xi, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Mu, Beta Theta Pi, Zeta Beta Tau, Sigma Nu and Tau Kappa Epsilon.

The National Panhellenic Conference

The National Panhellenic Conference is an organization of 26 women’s Greek-letter social fraternities. Its purpose is to assist collegiate and alumnae Panhellenic associations, to cooperate with colleges and universities and to foster interfraternity relationships.

The history of the Conference evolved gradually through the cooperative spirit among the member groups. As early as 1891, Kappa Kappa Gamma invited all seven Greek-letter women’s college fraternities to the first meeting; however, it wasn’t until 1902 that a meeting resulted in the organization of the first interfraternity association and first intergroup organization on college campuses.

Members of Kappa Kappa Gamma are expected to uphold high standards of ethical behavior within our chapters and alumnae associations and in our relationships with other Panhellenic groups. The belief in promoting dignified and harmonious relationships with all Panhellenic members is the foundation for Panhellenic interaction, and a spirit of cooperation should prevail with the educational institutions where there are Kappa chapters. If a situation arises within the Panhellenic Council or the institution that brings into question this relationship, immediately contact a member of Kappa’s NPC Delegation.

The importance of positive Panhellenic and Greek public relations cannot be underestimated. Kappas are expected to take a leadership role by participating in programs that promote all the positive aspects of Greek life. Members must “speak up for sororities” to let our publics know the inherent value of membership. For ideas and promotion suggestions see the NPC Web site. This NPC Web site also offers excellent educational programs for chapters and campuses that address issues and concerns relevant to women.