We at The Dartmouth Review offer these Greek house profiles as a general guide for the curious freshman. Every description should be taken with a grain of salt, and readers are encouraged to form their own opinions of different houses. Once “frat ban” comes to an end, go out and explore Greek Life, a Dartmouth tradition, for yourself. (This piece is periodically updated. The version seen below was published under the title “The Greeks Shall Inherit the Earth” in The Review’s September 13, 2023 print issue.)
Fraternities
Alpha Chi Alpha
Despite their high GPAs and “impressive” participation in many face-timey organizations, Alpha Chis are truly identifiable by their concerningly obvious desperation to be A-side. They are also known for their annual day party “Pig Stick” in the spring. The name refers to the entire pig that the brothers roast and serve to partygoers. The house itself appears to be a more appropriate place for livestock than for frat bros, given its classic A-frame barn structure; however, the house’s backyard boasts a beach volleyball court rather than a pasture. The brothers of Alpha Chi can be identified on campus by their red lifeguard jerseys that sport their fraternity’s letters, although the last time we checked, their scenes were still dead.
Alpha Phi Alpha
Alpha Phi Alpha was founded as the first historically black fraternity at Dartmouth College in 1972. Notable alumni include all-star NFL running back Reggie Williams and the MLB’s head of Baseball Operations Jimmie Lee Solomon. The fraternity has occupied two houses on Webster Avenue in the recent past and currently resides in the Channing Cox apartment facilities.
Beta Alpha Omega
Formerly known for its soft, polite, and kind brothers, Beta has since succeeded in the social ascent still eluding Alpha Chi. They are now known for flipping tables in order to enjoy a good dance party, especially if freshman women are involved. Their yard serves as a great place for grilling and spikeball on days warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. These staunch defenders of “The Dartmouth X” can be heard saying, “Bro, I swear she was 18.” You will likely find Betas congregated around a makeshift fire pit like cavemen in awe of their fire-making ability, or in their winter igloo, the Beta Alpha Omigloo.
Bones Gate
Chemically sedated and laid-back, the brothers of Bones Gate enjoy a good bake, which probably accounts for their at-times tempestuous relationship with the Administration. BG has a reputation for dabbling in harder substances, perhaps contributing to its generally apathetic (in a good way) reputation. Don’t be fooled by their chill vibes, as the brothers of BG are known for their ironic approach to Greek life: one of their signature house chants is simply “F–k BG.” They’re known for their live bands and their signature drink, Cutter. Rumor has it that BG has replaced its insulation with remnants of a solid night’s inhalation.
Chi Gamma Epsilon
Formerly a fruit-filled alternative to Psi U, Chi Gam has recently fully embraced its motto “Come as you are.” There is no definitive Chi Gam man, and the brothers like it that way. If you’re not seeking to join one of the more eclectic brotherhoods on campus, you may know them as the bros with the outrageously expensive parking spots. The house is also known for its annual Gammapalooza concert during Green Key, and it has a reliable dance party scene when the Hanover Fire Department doesn’t get in the way. Trademarks of Chi Gam include a hot tub and, uh, small tables.
Chi Heorot
Heorot is a conglomeration of hockey, baseball, rowing, and soccer players. Known for a healthy pong scene, large basement, and the Great Hall, Heorot boasts plenty of space for debauchery and hosts the annual final match of the tournament that shall not be named. Heorots can always be identified by their incoherent grunts during intro-level classes. Their fall-term “Hi-lighter” party and the presence of sports teams attract masses of freshmen. For members of Heorot interested in reading this article, an audio copy will soon be made available.
Gamma Delta Chi
GDX might as well be Memorial Field. The pit in the basement was originally designed as a swimming pool but for safety reasons was soon converted to a racquetball court. Considering that none of the brothers know what racquetball is, the space has since been used for more bibulous basement activities. In an attempt to differentiate themselves from the likes of Heorot and TDX, the brothers of Gamma Delta Chi have sought to recruit a handful of literate NARPs. Additionally, perks of house membership now include subscriptions to Grammarly, Chegg, and a repository of every exam administered in the history of Dartmouth College.
Kappa Pi Kappa
Pi Kap is the oldest local fraternity, dating back to 1842. These former Tri-Kaps fought long and hard to distinguish their name from that of a similarly initialed group, but they ultimately surrendered. Kappa Kappa Kappa became Kappa Pi Kappa. The fraternity is more lately known for its infestation with libertarians and a recently renovated but sparsely populated basement. As a general rule, the mathematics skillset of a brother of Pi Kap will exceed his tolerance for alcohol by a magnitude of ten. On the off-chance they are hosting an event, the brothers usually end up on a date with the Hanover Fire Department.
La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity
Lambda Upsilon Lambda is a Latino affinity organization first established at Dartmouth in 1997. The organization has no physical plant, but hosts an annual semi-formal dinner featuring a guest speaker to discuss issues of Latin culture.
Phi Delta Alpha
Lest the old traditions fail. But don’t worry, they won’t, even at the cost of all their social capital. That big white house on the row bleeds the darkest shade of Dartmouth green. A wide assortment of members call Phi Delt home, sharing in a quasi-cultish respect for tradition and universal fear of speaking to women. One of the closest brotherhoods on campus, Phi Delt is known for hosting live bands during Green Key weekend’s “Block Party.” Phi Delt brothers are also known for laid-back “scenes” at the “zig” and for pong into the wee hours of the morning. A lot at Dartmouth has changed over the years, but the big white house on Webster has stood firm—except for the house itself, which has burned down twice.
President’s Residence
While not a “fraternity” in the traditional sense of the word, 14 Webster Avenue has long been legendary for its debaucherous partying, loose morals, and out-of-control, anything-goes behavior. Former President James O. Freedman had a grotto installed in the backyard, which we hear could get quite sensuous in the right company.
Psi Upsilon
Known for their designer t-shirts and middle school-esque cliques, the brothers of Psi U can be seen partying through the windows of their “at-capacity” house. With an uncomfortable basement layout, Psi U’s brothers find themselves hosting dance parties far more often than pong. Regardless of what’s going on in the house, you can always expect a hefty snowstorm. Not to worry: many of the brothers are on Ski Patrol, so you’re in the hands of experts. They also get passes to Killington each winter. Ask a Psi U about his dad’s job on Wall Street or about his affection for poultry.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Emerging from the depths of derecognition since 2015, and from the unfortunate interim rebrand of “Scarlett Hall,” Sigma Alpha Epsilon is back, and it’s almost like it never left! The house is known for its affluent and boisterous brotherhood as well as its termly champagne party. When not collecting rent from Novack, you can find the true gentlemen preparing for lucrative careers on Wall Street.
Sigma Nu
Despite the national fraternity’s origin at the post-bellum Virginia Military Institute, Sig Nu faced defeat at the hands of its invading northern neighbors. A recent influx of new members has reinvigorated the house at the cost of its nightly Dungeons and Dragons festivities. The profoundly new presence of women has officially scared away any remnants of the past.
Sigma Phi Epsilon
“Building Balanced Leaders for the World’s Communities,” is the Sig Ep motto. Their lifestyle as sober and relatively insular places the brothers in a tumultuous social climate. Even some local incels say they were worried about seeming “unpopular” if they accepted a bid. In a partial acquiescence to reality, the forbidden brew seems to be returning to the typically sober halls of Sig Ep.
Theta Delta Chi
Ever since Robert Frost’s tenure at the organization in the 1890s, the literary reputation of Theta Delta Chi has been in steady decline. The brothers of TDX are known for their affinity for black labs, lacrosse, Range Rovers, and rugby. Come 2:30 am, the Boom Boom Lodge (a nickname earned after the murder of a Dartmouth student during Prohibition) turns into a sweaty, steamy dance floor where hopeless partiers go as a last resort to find that special someone.
Zeta Psi
The Hanover consulate of the People’s Republic of China, Zete has experience in crafting explosive libations that would make the Irish Republican Army blush. Known for their monthly “Zete Night, Late Night” burger sale, usually accompanied by live music, the brothers of Zeta Psi are friendly faces on campus (that is, when they’re not watching anime). The house occasionally hosts a dance scene, though most start the night at Zete and immediately leave. For those looking to ingratiate themselves within the halls of Zete, we recommend getting comfortable with ceiling slams, learning how to grill, and knowing what the “One Piece” is.
Sororities and Co-Ed Houses
Alpha Phi
Year after year, APhi strives to produce a pledge class that more closely resembles its counterpart chapter at the University of Michigan. Previously in a competition to be “just as good as Kappa,” these phisters no longer care and have officially appointed themselves as top house, at least according to Fizz™. When not “waiting for lines” in a frat basement, APhis can be found laughing loudly on fourth-floor Berry (please, shut up).
Alpha Theta
Alpha Thetas are a rambunctious lot, or were, back in the late ’70s. They used to get juiced up and drive their cars relentlessly around Phi Tau. This would continue until they were apprehended by the authorities or the thrill dissipated—whichever came first. These days, as with most of the College’s more reckless traditions, the “Phi Tau 500” is no more. Alpha Theta has mellowed out as well. They are now known more for their capes and top hats than they are for their antics behind the wheel.
Alpha Xi Delta
The sisters of AXiD are better known for their classroom participation than they are for their revelry in the basement. Nevertheless, sisters will sometimes stray from their study tables on 3FB to the debauchery of frat row. Their combination of brains and beauty balances out their absence from some of campus’ bigger scenes, but it leaves them with a B- in social standing. For some of these girls, a B- isn’t good enough, but their grades are sinking so they can keep drinking. We reached out to the house to comment on this description, but the xisters were too busy to respond. They were celebrating the rumor that they might be having tails with Psi U.
Chi Delta
Formerly Tri Delt, Chi Delt went local and boasts a house full of great girls that are fond of flair. Like their comrades in Alpha Chi, these girls are highly active in many prominent campus organizations. There’s only one pong table in a basement that is inhospitable to those over 5’6”, but the sisters find other ways to have fun. Each autumn, the sisters host an Oktoberfest party, showing off their impressive collection of lederhosen. Chi Delt is composed of self-assured young women, but their reputation for activism, social-climbing, and being the “nice” girls on campus earns them mixed reviews. Ask them about their affection for baking.
Epsilon Kappa Theta
Many of the “folx” of EKT are involved in campus activism, and the members tend to stick together. Despite having small pledge classes, EKT boasts a tight-knit and diverse sisterhood. This sisterhood (not cisterhood) proudly embraces its alternative social status on campus. It is the most accepting house on campus: of 76 genders, 75 can join. While its members have not historically frequented the office of The Dartmouth Review, we are always looking for new writers.
Kappa Delta
The occupants of campus’s most palatial house, located at the far end of Webster Avenue, the Kappa Deltas formerly struggled to fill it. However, their sisterhood appears to have been revolutionized by the shakeout process. A sorority that was formerly not a first or second choice has now become perhaps the best option for women who are seeking community but are not drawn to the more bibulous and drama-filled houses. Undoubtedly, the KDs’ most defining feature is that they appear to actually like each other, a genuinely rare phenomenon among sororities or any group of college women.
Kappa Delta Epsilon
A local sorority, KDE boasts an outgoing sisterhood known for loud outfits and voices. Formerly famous for its preppy Derby party in the spring, several years ago the sisterhood changed the theme to Woodstock. KDE’s rambunctious reputation pairs well with its recruitment from many girls’ athletic teams. As it enjoys the most spacious basement of any house on campus, KDE is one of the few sororities to host frat-style partying and pong. Don’t underestimate these girls: they can boot and rally with the best of them.
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Located past the Alumni Gymnasium, Kappa rarely plays host to any notable social functions, but these gals are a staple on the Greek circuit. Kharacterized by the age-old saying “We eat karrots and date Heorots,” these girls are often konsidered the social kweens of kampus, as demonstrated by their social-media presence. Although not as sporty as KDE, the sisters of Kappa enjoy their athletics, particularly skiing the slopes of New Hampshire in the winter. If you’re looking for a Kappa, your best bet is to head to Dirt Cowboy and keep an eye out for the house’s signature tote bag.
Panarchy
Formerly Phi Sigma Psi, Panarchy isn’t quite a fraternity or a sorority—it’s a co-educational undergraduate society. Having broken away from Greek Life in 1994, it is a space for individuals who seek to challenge the Greek system by joining a Greek-adjacent organization. The house features strikingly grand architecture that resembles a Southern fraternity. Today, Panarchy is largely insular and mysterious to the general campus. Unfortunately, no Reviewers are sufficiently alternative to get the inside scoop.
Phi Tau
One might characterize Phi Tau as “eccentric,” but those more familiar with the house might count that as an understatement. Phi Taus embrace their oddity and aren’t ashamed to demonstrate it. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Their house is likely the nicest of all the Greek houses, especially if you appreciate sci-fi and cooking. Their termly bash, “Milque and Cookies,” features thousands of cookies and a thick dairy beverage brewed in cauldrons. Sadly, it is (mostly) non-alcoholic.
Sigma Delta
The enthusiastic sisters of Sigma Delt are fun and fond of drink, earning the house a reputation as one of the “frattier” sororities. Sigma Delt is a popular destination for frat bros on probation seeking a familiar ambiance. Even so, the sisters are not afraid of their femininity—you can often see Sigma Delts covered in glitter on big weekends. Feminist to the core, they live by their motto: “Sinking halves and respecting women.”
Tabard
Tabard’s lingerie show each “big weekend” attracts freshmen aplenty but is definitely not for the faint of heart. The Greek letters in the wrought-iron railing over the house’s front entrance spell out its famous joke: Sigma Epsilon Chi. Sex positivity and alternatives to drinking are embedded in Tabard’s culture. Whether you are looking for a quiet but eventful evening with Dartmouth’s creatives or a wild night of debauchery, Tabard welcomes you. However, it does keep its basement selectively open.
