Chi Upsilon Sigma re-establishing colony at Rider University

The Alpha Beta colony of Chi Upsilon Sigma is being re-established at Rider University. The National Latin sorority — whose motto is "wisdom through education" — is currently conducting its intake process on the Lawrenceville campus, with the goals of holding a new member presentation by mid-April.

Chi Upsilon Sigma formed on April 29, 1980, when it was incepted at Rutgers University by seven Latinas who wanted to create an organization to promote leadership among the Latino community. Membership has since grown to incorporate women of all ethnicities. Its Alpha Beta colony was formerly at Rider in the mid-2000s.

This is the third Greek re-colonization effort taking place at Rider this year. Theta Chi, a Greek fraternity with roots that stretch back to 1856, was selected last summer to re-establish a chapter at Rider. Theta Chi held its colonization ceremony on Sunday, March 5, at Green Acres Country Club in Lawrenceville. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. also re-colonized at Rider during the fall semester, holding its new member presentation on Nov. 12, 2016. Rider University formerly recognized the Xi Pi Chapter, a shared chapter with The College of New Jersey. This spring, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. received their charter to become the Gamma Nu Gamma Chapter at Rider.

With the addition of Phi Beta Sigma, Chi Upsilon Sigma and Theta Chi,a total of 14 Greek organizations are represented at Rider. “It’s very exciting to have these organizations back on our campus," says Assistant Director of Campus Life for Fraternity and Sorority Life Amanda Eisele. "I think there is a lot of value in making sure as many students have the Greek experience as possible. The additions of these groups provide a more diverse set of experiences for the Rider student body."

Greek Life has been part of Rider University since 1922. Academic achievement is a top priority for all Greek organizations at Rider, and the University requires that all potential new members have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and have passed 12 Rider credit hours. Some chapters have additional standards of membership.

Community service is another major aspect of being a member of the Greek community, with many fundraising and philanthropic events taking place throughout the year that benefit national charitable organizations. The national philanthropy organization of Chi Upsilon Sigma is the I Have a Dream Foundation, an organization whose mission is to provide long-term support to children and youth living in under-resourced communities.

Social activities are also a major draw for students interested in Greek life, and the fraternities and sororities of Rider host many events throughout the year for their brothers and sisters. Examples include Greek Week, intramural sports and formals.