4-H House Cooperative Sorority

social events with fraternities, and philanthropy activities. Cooperative living is the most important and unique element of our house. At 4-H House, every woman shares the responsibilities of the house's day-to-day operations. All members take turns cooking meals five days a week. In addition, we are assigned cleaning tasks, called house duties, on either a daily or weekly basis. These can range from sweeping the hallways to mowing the front lawn. Through all of this hard work, the cost of living at 4-H House becomes very affordable. Members of 4-H House also govern themselves through elected officers. Elections are held on a semesterly basis, giving members multiple opportunities to hold a leadership position. We also have a house director who gives guidance and support while living in her own apartment at the house. Through working together, each 4-H House woman gains a strong sense of responsibility as well as strong ties of friendship with her house sisters. We consider it an honor to live at 4-H House. Our new members are chosen during interviewing weekends held in the spring. All new members live in the house the following fall. Members of a pledge class may range from incoming freshman to seniors to ladies transferring from another college. Majors vary from Engineering to English. We have adopted a new member-active system. A girl is a new member the first semester she lives in the house. During this time, the active members introduce the new members to our cooperative style of living.The top priorities for a new member, as well as all members, should include:
- Achieving a minimum 2.6 grade average
- Fulfilling house responsibilities
- Adjusting to campus life

During the first semester, each young woman is paired with a big sister, who is an active member that becomes a special friend. Active members also serve as academic advisors to new members in order to help them adjust to classes here at the University of Illinois and their chosen majors. A new member semester at 4-H House is full of hard work, but results in accomplishments and success. Along the way, new friendships are made that will last a lifetime.

4-H House means lasting friendships, sisterhood, and a home. No matter where you go or what you do, you know you can always return to 4-H House. Although the faces change, the common interests and friendships remain.