Greek Life Fact Sheet
This Greek Life Fact
Sheet will provide you with a glimpse of the Case Greek community and what it means to be a member of a fraternity or sorority at Case Western
Reserve University. The page also talks about the time commitment, the costs, and how greek membership affects your involvement with other
people, and in other organizations.
What are Greeks all about?
Fraternities and sororities have been a part of Case since 1841, and the campus currently boasts 29 chapters - 15 fraternities, 7 sororities
and 3 interest groups, and Black Greek Council. Simply put, fraternities and sororities are groups of individuals who are brought together by
the sharing of a common set of values and goals. The ideals and values of a chapter are shared through rituals that are unique for each
respective fraternity or sorority. These ceremonies can be both enlightening and unifying as they are designed to help your student become a
better person in his or her daily life as well as within the chapter itself. Some chapters do a very good job of living their ritual, while
others still need to recognize the seriousness and responsibility that their rituals entail. In any case, choosing Greek Life will be a unique
learning experience that will provide your child with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
Are academics important to Greeks?
Students come to Case to get an excellent education. Greeks are no different. Many Greeks are at the top of their academic fields, though
some experience academic difficulties. The university, as well as the individual chapters, has various programs in place to assist students in
need of assistance. However, since grades are kept private unless a student gives consent, it is necessary for those in academic trouble to
seek help. Parents can help their child by finding information about chapter scholarship programs and by asking their student to use the
resources available.
How many students are involved in the Greek community?
Approximately 30% of the student body is involved in fraternities and sororities. While there is no single type of person that fits in the
Greek community, fraternities and sororities look for members who want to give back to the community, the university, and the chapter. Joining
is not based on looks or popularity, but on the friendships developed between the members and your student, as every member offers something
different to the group.
Are members involved in other activities?
In general, students at Case are very involved by nature. Being Greek is seldom the only activity with which members are involved. They
participate in clubs, organizations, and athletics. Many do research in their field of study or hold down campus jobs. Fraternities and
sororities can assist a student in getting acclimated to campus and involved in other activities.
Are there advisors involved?
All chapters have adult advisors who are involved at some level with the operation of the chapter. Some groups even have live-in house
directors to make sure things are working well. Part of the learning process of being in a Greek organization is the independence to make
decisions and mistakes. Chapters are self-governing units, so it is their responsibility to establish their own rules and enforcement process.
What about stereotypes?
Most people have seen movies or television shows that portray Greeks in a negative light. These depictions are for entertainment value only
and seldom describe Greek Life in a realistic manner. Fraternities and sororities are made up of good students just like your son or daughter.
How much will it cost?
Joining a Greek organization does cost money. On average it is less than 2% of the total cost of college and in some situations can provide
less expensive living accommodations than in the residence halls. Joining a chapter costs $301 on average. That includes pledging and
initiation fees. These costs are usually spread out over the year. Dues average $285 a semester and are paid to the chapter as long as the
student is active. Room cost averages $2843 for a semester.
Will my student have to live in the house?
Some chapters with housing have a live-in requirement, but for the most part students can remain in the residence halls if they want. It
is recommended that your student check with the chapter during recruitment. All students may not move into the chapter house until at least
their second year at Case.
How does a student get involved?
The best time to get involved is first semester freshman year. It is the best way for a new student to meet people on campus. Both
fraternities and sororities hold a recruitment period. At the very end of men's and women's recruitment, students have a choice whether or
not to join. Only after a student accepts a bid have they joined a chapter. Students going through recruitment should always keep their
options open by looking at as many chapters as they are comfortable. This can be overwhelming, but there are several events in the fall
designed for students to meet all the chapters. Greek Carnival and a Taste of Greek Life offer students the best opportunity to view all the
chapters at once.
Even if your student does not want to join, recruitment is simply an excellent opportunity for them to meet people and to acquaint
themselves with campus. For men, recruitment lasts at least the first three weeks of school. Students can visit any chapter they desire
and choose what events they want to attend. There are many individual activities going on so your student can look at chapters when it is
convenient for him. For women, the recruitment process is a little different. Womens recruitment happens the second week of class during the
spring semester. All women interested in this formal recruitment process must register first. Sorority recruitment is much more structured
than fraternity rush, as it is designed to provide your student with a look at each of the chapters during a period of four days. A woman
must look at all six chapters before narrowing her choices. This can be a very exciting yet hectic process. The key to success is to accept
all the invitations a student receives.
What if I have more questions?
As a student goes through the recruitment process many more questions may come to mind. Further information is available by contacting
Greek Life at 216.368.1363 or by e-mail at greeklife@case.edu.