Students living in Greek houses on University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus will see improvements to the historic buildings when they return to school in the fall.

Renovations are taking place over the summer for four sorority and fraternity houses owned and operated by Residential Life and Housing: Alpha Phi, Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi and Theta Chi.

Student Life is engaged with national representatives from each chapter to discuss renovation plans.

The homes are in a prime location for students. Three are located next to the university’s main gathering space, the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center. The fourth, which houses members from Theta Chi, is located on the north side of campus next to Calaveras Hall where the newly opened Cafe 1851 is located. 

“I’ve had the best experience living in my house,” said Arilius Khim ’26, a member of Theta Chi. “I’ve made a closer bond with my brothers, and it’s also helped me a lot academically. Without their support, being an engineering major would be a lot harder.”

The housing renovations are part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Greek life at Pacific, which has seen a decline in membership over the years. The drop in participation mirrors trends at universities around the country and has been attributed to several factors, including the national Abolish Greek Life movement and COVID-19 pandemic.

“We see tremendous value in Greek life and want to do everything we can to support it,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi. “Greek organizations provide a strong support network for students and build a sense of community, which have been proven to contribute to student success.”

The university also has launched other initiatives to increase involvement. Greek Week was started in 2022 to increase awareness of Greek life at Pacific. Held twice a year, the event includes a full slate of programming, from service opportunities to mixers and is open to all students.

The upcoming fall 2024 Greek Week will take place during Homecoming and Family Weekend in October to allow Greek alumni to participate in the festivities.

A full-time Greek advisor, Stephanie Felton, was hired to provide support to organizations, and the university also is exploring opportunities to bring back organizations previously affiliated with Pacific.

“Institutionally, we have a desire to bring them back on campus,” Blandizzi said. “We see the value of those organizations having a history at Pacific.”

As California’s first and oldest university, Pacific has a long tradition of Greek life dating to 1854. In addition to seven social sororities and fraternities, there are four multicultural and 13 professional Greek organizations at Pacific, which connect students with shared career interests.

Phi Alpha Delta, a fraternity for undergraduate students interested in the legal profession, has been collaborating with the McGeorge School of Law, resulting in an increase in the number of members who go on to attend McGeorge.

Supported by the College of the Pacific, the university’s health and life sciences-based Greek organizations have been recognized for their achievements, including at the Faith Davies, All-University Leadership Awards in April.

Unlike some universities, Pacific allows students to join Greek organizations as early as their first semester. Primary recruitment for all councils is in the fall.

Related: What to know about joining Greek life at Pacific

In addition to the four university-owned Greek houses, there are two other Greek houses on campus—Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta. The homes are located next to the former Delta Delta Delta sorority house, which is being transformed into boutique lodging for alumni, families and other guests visiting the Stockton Campus. The Pacific Inn is expected to open in 2025.