GREEK LIFE

Why Join?

Why Should I Join a Fraternity or Sorority? See some of the ways that greek life can positively influence your college career and the rest of your life!

Success: I want to be successful in life.

What does this mean to me?

• I want to do well academically.
• I want to graduate in four years and have a job that pays me well.
• I want to do research or have an internship in my field of study.
• I want to have a rapport with my professors.
• I want to provide leadership to my organization. I do not just want a pin and a certificate.
• I want to have mentors and friends to help me develop as a student and as a person.

How will joining a fraternity or sorority help me?

• Fraternities and sororities stress academics and reward those who excel academically. They have academic expectations for members and resources to assist members during their education and into their job search. Fraternities and sororities are committed to achieving your goals.
• Members develop relationships with chapter alumni who can assist with resumes, job placement, marketing your Greek experience, and settling in a new location after graduation.
• Fraternities and sororities provide opportunities to meet many people who will assist you. Through educational programs, you will be introduced to many campus resources that will help you excel.
• You will improve your communication and interpersonal skills. This will happen though your interactions and leadership experiences. Employers will value the skills you will develop through your Greek experience.

Personal Development: I want to be a better person.

What does this mean to me?

• I want leadership opportunities.
• I want to learn to work efficiently with others and learn how to confront inappropriate behavior.
• I want to learn how to interact socially with others in an appropriate way.
• I want responsibility, both personally and professionally.
• I want to be involved in my community.
• I want to be aware of and celebrate diversity.
• I want to develop life skills, including money management, working within a team, living on my own, and running an organization.

How will joining a fraternity or a sorority help me?

• Chapters have leadership positions, financial responsibilities, and policies and procedures to follow, much like most organizations and companies. There is an executive board of offices as well as other leadership positions in each chapter. The chance to lead others is not only available, but expected.
• Fraternities and sororities offer leadership training and development at a chapter, campus, regional, and national level. There is a specific training for new members, for initiated chapter members, and for those holding positions within the chapter.
• Within weeks of being affiliated with a chapter, you will have specific brothers or sisters with whom you will form a mentoring relationship and go to for guidance and support. Additionally, there are chances to shadow and learn from current officers.
• A fraternity or sorority is a group of men and women who work together to achieve goals they have set for themselves. You will learn how to plan events, work with people, hold members accountable for their behaviors, confront inappropriate behavior, build relationships, and praise them for a job well done.
• Part of a fraternity or sorority is that it is social in nature, but that does not simply imply drinking and partying. It allows you to meet other people in a fun environment and become comfortable getting to know people you have met for the first time.
• Campus chapters are diverse in of themselves, with members from many different racial, religious, regional, and other backgrounds. But, fraternities and sororities are sensitive to and educated upon diversity issues. Chapters celebrate their diversity and the diversity that is here on campus, in the community, and all around us.
• Fraternities and sororities hold in high regard their responsibility to give back to out community. Whether it is donating their time, working with others, or raising money for a worthy cause, they dedicate themselves to helping others.

Lifelong Friends: I want to form lifelong friendships.

What does this mean to me?

• I want to find a close-knit group of friends and create a positive “home away from home” environment.
• After graduating from college, I want to have a connection with my alma mater and look forward to returning and contributing to my school.
• I want to form a network of friends who will assist me personally and professionally in the future.
• I want friendships based on a set of common values and interests.

How will joining a fraternity or sorority help me?

• A fraternity or sorority gives you the opportunity to make new friends who will be with you long after graduation. The men and women you meet today will be the ones who stand up in your wedding, provide guidance when you are struggling, and share in your happiness for many years.
• Many fraternities and sororities have alumni who will share their experiences and help prepare you for life after graduation. The common bond of fraternity will carry beyond the members you join with and into the many alumni who have this shared experience. Their knowledge will be beneficial to you as you prepare for a career.
• By seizing the opportunity to join a chapter, you will have the chance to share common experiences, challenge your thoughts and beliefs, learn from others, and thus create the basis for lifelong friendships.
• Fraternities and sororities have a foundation of values and standards known as the ritual. Through ritual, you will learn the basic concepts of friendship and values that will bring you closer to your brothers and sisters. This common bond will be with you for your life.

Enjoy Life: I want to have fun in college!

What does this mean to me?

• I want to meet new people and do new things.
• I need stress relieving activities.
• I want to participate in campus events.
• I want to visit new places.
• I do not want my experiences clouded by alcohol.

How will joining a fraternity or sorority help me?

• Chapters often participate in campus events and go to sporting events.
• You will be encouraged to get involved in other student organizations.
• Many fraternities and sororities participate in intramural sports that will give you the opportunity to play competitive athletic ranging from football and tennis to almost everything in between. Members also often lift weights, run, and exercise together.
• Fraternities and sororities have organized and informal events and activities for members and guests
• Many chapters organize study breaks, movie nights, or sports nights so they can spend time with each other.
• Chapters also take trips to other colleges and universities. During these trips, you will get to see new places and meet brothers and sisters from other chapters.

Reference Courtesy of North-American Interfraternity Council:
Sax, L.J., Astin, A.W., Korn, W.S. & Mahoney, K.M. (1999) The American Freshman: National Norms for Fall 1999, Los Angeles: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA.