All You Need to Know About Going Greek

What do you think of when you hear the word college? You probably imagine communal living, football tailgates, all-nighters, red plastic cups, etc. It’s all those little things that really create the big formula that is the college experience. But later in life, you can always invest in a condominium, go to more football games, read a book until the sun comes up and even (for whatever reason) drink out of one of those fancy red cups. But there is an experience in college that is essentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; a chance to be a part of something that will never come your way again. That not-so-little experience is called Greek life.

Everyone has heard of Greek life. The question is what have you heard? The stigma surrounding fraternities and sororities is quite notorious. Horrific stories of hazing and hard partying continue to creep through the halls of campuses across the country. But, in reality, “going Greek” isn’t such a horrible idea.

Being Part of a Team

First and foremost, if you don’t like meeting new people or enjoy socializing, the Greek system is not for you. But if you relish being in the presence of other people, especially those of the same gender, you should most certainly consider the Greek system. When I first joined the Chi Omega sorority in the fall of my junior year at American University, I was trying to pinpoint what it was that I loved so much about being with that huge group of girls (which, let’s face it, has the potential to be very scary.) My sister, a member of a different Chi Omega chapter, likened the experience to being on a sports team. I knew she’d hit the nail on the head. Being in a Greek organization gave me that feeling of camaraderie and support that I’d previously received through sports. I was once again on a team and we were cheering for a common objective: each other. (Cue the “Aww’s!”)

Campus Recognition

Attending a large school can also be very overwhelming. That “needle in a haystack” syndrome sometimes hits you hard after leaving the comforts of your high school hallways. Joining a fraternity and sorority gives you a sense of identity and even more, a voice on campus. Greek life is a great way to gain recognition and become an active part of your university’s community.

Philanthropy

A major part of Greek organizations that is vastly overlooked is philanthropy. Every fraternity and sorority has a charity that they support and hold events to raise money for that specific cause. Chi Omega is a proud supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening diseases. Taking part in these events is a very rewarding experience that can bring sincere meaning to days otherwise filled with monotonous class lectures and visits to the library.

Social Activities

What better way to unwind from that massive mid-term than mingling with your fellow fraternal members at a mixer or nostalgically reliving the prom at Spring Formal? You can even show off those rusty athletic skills on an intramural team or during Greek Week games. Greek life constantly keeps your social calendar full with chances to meet new people and take part in entertaining activities.

Greek for Life

What I have found to be one of the most rewarding outcomes of being involved in the Greek system is the lasting effect it has on your life. Not only do you make friendships that will continue through the years, but you are forever a member of that organization. Especially in regards to the large national fraternities and sororities, you have a connection to people that you have never met before in all corners of the country. This leads to a great deal of networking and chances to broaden your career opportunities. Brothers and sisters are always quick to recommend or refer a fellow member of their Greek organization.



Of course, not everything about Greek life is puppies and rainbows. Here are a few things to consider and keep an eye out for. If you foresee these things to be a big problem for you, Greek life may not be your best decision.

Hazing

The most talked-about controversial part of the Greek system is hazing. Hazing, when practiced, is forced upon the new members or “pledges.” It is usually a tradition of initiation and the pledge process in general, a way to make the member “earn” their membership. Hazing can range from anything as little as an active member making an incoming member run them an errand to something much more severe, such as submitting them to public humiliation or physical pain. While most large Greek organizations don’t condone hazing and in fact usually forbid it, it does still exist.

Typecasting

Typecasting is an unfortunate side effect of joining Greek life. At every school, many people, including Greek members themselves, will pigeon-hole certain fraternities and sororities. For example, that is the “preppy” fraternity; those are the “jocks.” Or, that sorority only let’s in skinny blondes and those girls are all dorks. In truth, it’s a sad reflection of real life and how stereotyping occurs. It’s hard to avoid and the best way to deal with it is to know yourself and ignore those who insist on labeling.

Time Commitment

Being in a fraternity or sorority takes up a lot of time, especially if you choose to join the executive board (i.e. becoming president or secretary of the group). There are many events that are mandatory and sometimes an absence from these can result in fines. If you don’t want to make a serious commitment to a Greek affiliation, don’t join. Many members take their roles very seriously and may take offense to a flakey member who only shows up to the social events and skips rush practices or charitable occasions.

Dues

It is never free to be involved in the Greek system. Dues, usually paid once a semester, go toward many different aspects of the group. The price also varies from school to school, many times depending on if the fraternity or sorority has a house or not. If so, dues are usually substantially more. For those on a tight budget, many groups offer payment plans. Running an organization of usually over 100 members isn’t cheap and while you might hate ponying up the cash at first, later you will reap the benefits at mixers and other social functions.

Body Image Issues

This is strictly a sorority issue, but in the past, there have been instances of active members forcing new members to strip to their underwear and circling the “problem areas” on the girls’ bodies. While I have never come across this, it apparently still occurs on some campuses. It’s enough to scare a girl out of joining any Greek affiliation, for good reason. Who wants to subject themselves to that sort of humiliating scrutiny? But sororities in general have a history of material habits and pushing that “pretty girl” image. Thankfully, it’s mostly that nowadays … a “history.” Sororities have become a place for growth and women empowerment, instead of a finishing school for wives.