Greek Life – Is It For You?
Greek life? Isn’t that about wearing bed sheets, suffering pain and indignity, and binge drinking? Truth is, toga parties have become a cliché. Hazing rituals are a rarity – at least the ones that put students’ health and safety at risk – given all the negative publicity and stringent anti-hazing legislation. And a recognized fraternity can have its charter revoked if it hosts a big, messy kegger or worse – much worse. But despite these stereotypes, fraternities and sororities are traditional social systems of higher learning. While coed groups – “frarorities” – are becoming popular, Greek communities are still mostly single-sex, and Greek life is still widespread.
You may have seen them – those kids with funny letters on their hoodies and the snips of paper pinned to their jerseys. They’re in the pledging phase of their initiation into Greek life. They may have to jump through some hoops and even do some silly stuff to prove their fidelity and commitment, but they do it willingly. And you may, too, if Greek life appeals to you.
Types & Purposes of Greek Life
What types of Greek communities are typically seen on campuses these days? They’re usually set up according to their function and purpose. In most cases, they are chapters of national or international associations. Invariably, Greek life will emphasize service – doing good work for charitable causes and ideals and creating scholarships – so there is a certain degree of overlap. Here are the primary categories:
- Social – These groups emphasize friendship and establish long lasting connections. Without question, they are dedicated to the betterment of one’s self in a social setting. They are often formed around common affiliations, such as culture, gender, ethnicity, and religion.
- Academic and Career Based – Members share scholastic and careers interests that cultivate their potential and support professional networking.
The list of fraternities and sororities is long – too long to itemize here, so check our resources. To get a handle on which groups might be a good fit, talk to other Greeks and check out the SA office or the Office of Greek Life on your campus. Your professors and advisors may also be good resources.
What’s the Rush?
How do you know if Greek life appeals to you? Before you get to the pledging stage, you’ll want to know more about a fraternal or sororal organization. How can you determine which one might be a good fit for you? They, in turn, are going to want to know more about you. That’s where rushes come in. Greek groups usually hold rush weeks in the fall and/or spring, giving students a chance to get more info and meet brothers and sisters. After the rush, potential members will be invited to pledge. Keep in mind that there may be fees involved. At the very least, you will be expected to commit your time and energy.
Why Pledge?
Why pledge? Members benefit from the structured setting, the opportunity to form deep and abiding attachments not only to those friends in your Greek orbit but to the ideals on which your group is based.
A substantial percentage of America’s public servants and business leaders were active members of Greek life. That’s because Greek life traditionally emphasizes service and leadership. It’s also a family affair – many members join Greek communities that their parents and grandparents joined. Once people affiliate with a Greek group, they often develop a lifelong identity with it. This identity is strengthened by the symbols associated with one’s group – the Greek letters that represent its name – and all the trappings, such as pins, rings, clothing, banners, and so on. Once a Sigma Phi, always a Sigma Phi!
National and international Greek groups have chapters on thousands of campuses, with millions of past and active members, and each school may host quite a few. There are also home-grown groups on your campus.
Remember, though, that not all Greek groups have equal privileges and benefits. A fraternity, sorority, or frarority must comply with strict regulations in order to be recognized by a school. If you choose to join a non-recognized group, be sure you are thoroughly familiar with your school’s rules, because your academic standing could be jeopardized if your group runs afoul. Some schools have a separate Office of Greek Life, while others oversee Greek life through the SA office.