Whittier's 10 Societies (similar in character to fraternities/sororities) have been an integral part of Whittier's traditions since the 1920s, when the earliest societies were founded as literary groups.
Societies are by their nature social organizations committed to enhancing strong connections between members, alumni/ae, and members of the Whittier and local communities. The four pillars of Societies at Whittier College are friendship, scholarship, leadership, and community service.
Friendship
A very important and often unspoken aspect of being a member of a Society is the sisterhood/brotherhood/siblinghood that is shared. The bonds that are shared between members of Societies are what set them apart from other student organizations. It is more than friendship. It is the understanding that each member has taken a vow to uphold the foundations and values of the organization. This friendship is rooted in care, accountability, care, and authenticity.
Scholarship
Academic excellence is a tradition and priority for the Society community. First and foremost, Society members are students who pride themselves on academic accomplishments and work hard to reach and maintain high scholarship standards. Through a new series of programs and initiatives, the Inter-Society Council and individual groups assist members to excel as students. In addition, many of the Societies host group study sessions, library time, and academic monitoring.
Leadership
Equally important as scholarship is leadership. Society life offers its members endless leadership opportunities not only within the Society community, but in the broader campus community as well. Together with the Dean of Students’ Office, Societies sponsor and participate in a variety of leadership programs such as Society Development Days, Campus Leadership Workshops, Local Fraternity and Sorority Conferences, and New Member Leadership Workshops.
Service
Each year, members of the Society community contribute hundreds of volunteer hours and raised dollars to local and national charities. Societies take part in a wide variety of philanthropic events and encourage others within their community to participate. In the past, Societies have participated in events such as AIDS Walk LA and Relay for Life, volunteered at campus blood drives and soup kitchens, and have served as tutors and mentors to a wide variety of children in the greater community. Additionally, each Society pursues individual service projects throughout the year.
Join a Society
Each fall, there are a number of opportunities to meet with current society officers and members to learn more about the individual organizations and begin the process of selecting and joining. Those interested in joining a society are HIGHLY encouraged to attend all open houses and rush during the fall, as well as the Student Activities Fair the Wednesday after the first day of classes. Bids are given out at the end of fall semester, with New Member Education occurring at the beginning of the spring semester. To be eligible to join a Society, a student must have completed at least one semester at Whittier College and have a 2.5 Fall semester and cumulative GPA.
All students, regardless of sex, race, color, or national origin, who are interested in the program's mission/society and focus are welcome.
