As fall approaches, students all around the world begin a new school year. For some it’s elementary and middle school and for others it’s high school or college. Among the traditional activities accompanying the start of college is fraternity/sorority rush, in which students who wish to join a Greek-letter organization attend functions to learn more about the various fraternities and sororities on campus. After the various functions, the different houses and chapters decide which students they would like to invite to become members. The negative aspects of Greek life is no secret to the American public simply because that’s what the media reports. There is an underlying reason that people continue to be a part of Greek life, and it isn’t only …show more content…
Within this model, he presents his findings: as a student interacts with the formal and non-formal dimensions of college, the student develops an institutional “fit” based on academic and social integration. If the fit is strong, the student is most likely to develop a greater commitment to the institution, be retained, and persist to graduation. Studies prove that Greek involvement increased the likelihood of persistence to graduation by 370% when compared to non-Greek members. In addition to persistence, other studies have shown that involvement also has a positive impact of engagement (Pike, 2003). Not only does involvement increase engagement, but also fraternity and sorority members have been recorded having higher GPA’s than non-members (Pike, 2003). Many Greek organizations have rules and obligations regarding academics. For example, RedandBlack News states that the average GPA for Greek members— which includes organizations in the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Panhellenic Council and the Panhellenic Council — is 3.32, while the total undergraduate GPA is 3.20; 0.12 higher than non-members (RedandBlack). It’s no wonder that some of the most successful people were Greek. Some former Greek members include: the first female senator, the first female astronaut, all 11 Apollo astronauts, 63% of the President’s cabinet since 1900, 76% of all congressmen and senators, and 85% of the Fortune. In addition to those statistics, 40 of the 47 U.S. Supreme Court Justices since 1910 as well as 43 of the 50 largest corporations in the nation are headed by fraternity men (The Fraternity Advisor). These statistics prove that being involved in Greek
In “Examining the Benefits of Greek Life.” Nicole Glass explains why she believes that Greek life is a great opportunity for students in public universities. Nicole gives multiple examples of famous people in history that were in sororities. Nicole explains that the Greek life system gives students opportunity to make friends that will be with for life, have fun at parties, and learn leadership skills that students will use for the rest of their lives. The author points out that the sororities/ fraternities have a very bad name in the press, but the hazing is very rare throughout the Greek system.
Nathaniel Haas proves this idea of a sexual economy between fraternities and sororities at USC and the negative results it has, through research and statistics. His strongest piece of evidence is the research presented by economist Sean Hernandez, a former fraternity member from USC. Hernandez’s research introduces the basis of this argument that there is “a system where fraternities pay for parties and… sex is expected” in return as payment (Haas). The reason why Hernandez’s research is convincing to the reader and as a result very helpful to Haas’s argument is because of who Hernandez is. He is not only an expert in the field of economics but his standing as a former fraternity member gives him a lot of credit in the eyes of the reader. This relationship Hernandez has with the Greek system makes reader more open to this argument because it makes him an expert in the Greek life at USC since he was a former member. His research also
Greek Organizations have been an influence of college life for many years. Typically there are two sections of the Greek System, social organizations and the profession organizations. Along with the parties and alcohol that is associated with Greek Organizations, they do many other more positive things. They participate in charity events, community service, and volunteering for needy people. Alongside the positives of Greek Organizations, there is always a downfall. For instance, dues and fees are required which is typically a lot of money out of your college student bank account. There are many things that take place in a fraternity or sorority that people don’t consider when they are eager to join. You are required to follow many steps in the process of being accepted into an organization. To start, you
After reading the article “what a Fraternity Hazing Death Revealed about the Painful Search for an Asian-American Identity”, I understand the challenges that Asian American face in the search of a connection with their ethnic group culture and in the search of their identity within the dominant society. I feel sympathy for the family and for the many other families across the country that had lost their sons and daughters to fraternities that are in the pursuit of tough members that will represent their ethnic groups. Furthermore, students join fraternity to look for personal power and influences that they might be lacking from their communities. Students are in search of popularity and a sense of belonging to something special, something cool
By interviewing my participants, gathering information online, and from my own knowledge as a new member of Greek Life, I believe that Greek Life does receive a fair amount of negative criticism from the media but it isn’t without purpose. There are many bad eggs in Greek Life and they are the ones that cause the problems and it’s because of them fraternities and sororities have gained the reputation they currently have.
Seeing all but two U.S. presidents have been fraternity members, 63% of all U.S. cabinet members since 1900 have been greek, and 47 of North America's largest corporations are led by greeks, it might seem obvious that joining Greek life has its benefits. However, in light of many national scandals, some people tend to disagree. Therefore, I have focused on how being highly involved in the Greek system, more specifically, being a member of the executive board, can help you develop skills helpful to being a leader in real life.
Have you ever seen the television series Greek? It is full of sex, drugs, and alcohol; the three main elements that make up a typical frat boy or sorority girl’s life. Students involved in Greek life are always throwing wild parties and drinking until they pass out, getting involved in the drama of who slept with whose boyfriend, sending their pledges on crazy tasks in the middle of the night, and never seeming to take any responsibility. However, there is only one thing missing from this hit series; the truth. Greek life is not how it appears on television, my sorority embodies much more than that. Tri Sigma establishes meaningful friendships, builds character, and promotes community involvement.
In today’s society, going to college has become the norm. Freshly graduated students escape high school to become a freshman again. By August students start filing into packed cars to leave for college and try to find their place in this world. Out of the millions of students that attend each year, a percentage of them will rush a fraternity or sorority for the chance of sister or brotherhood. To some it is a sign of superior status, and others it not the right fit. Greek life is known from everything to volunteering for the community to the wild parties that somehow do not get busted by the cops every weekend. In the nation, Kimberly Brandy on Marie Claire states there are 5,975 fraternities governed by the North American Interfraternity Conference and 3,127 sororities governed by the National Panhellenic Conference. At Kansas State alone, about one in five students are a part of the greek community. K-State is also known for its diversity. We take pride in this fact here at Kansas State, but as a whole, the nation is having troubles combining these prides. It is in the combination of
In today’s society, fraternities and sororities have been known to have major impressions on students who attend college. In some cases, Greek organizations and their standings at universities aid in determining ones choice for higher education. For example, some schools are known for sports, others are known for their Black Greek Letter Organizations. When it comes to fraternities and sororities in general, the topic could seem somewhat controversial due to mixed emotions and beliefs. While attending an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) the accusations of Greeks running the yard became vividly true. The topic of research to be discussed is objectification, power and the perception of African Americans affiliated with sororities and fraternities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Also with appearances comes Greek life. At Indiana University Greek life is one of the main attractions on campus, and it makes Greek life an unwritten customs. From day one ladies and gentlemen start to think of what organization they want to become a part of, and they start to notice which organization want them as a member. Even though it might not be a priority to certain individuals’ Greek life is all over campus, and starts to tip toe into student’s minds. The majority of ladies and gentlemen want to become members of an Panhellenic or Interfraternity Greek Council organization, but many student of color do not see themselves in a Panhellenic or Interfraternity Greek Council and they explore their options with the Multicultural Greek Council or National Panhellenic Council. Even in those Greek councils they have their own set of unwritten customs individuals
Members of Greek-letter organizations have never before been held to such high stands or sensitivity toward all student populations, especially cultural sensitivity. Social media has created a whole new way for collegians to put themselves at risk. Recent stories about inappropriate behaviors have fanned the flames of debate around the relevance of fraternities and sororities in the 21st century. Stories that once would have gone no further than campus or the local newspaper now have the potential to become international news in an instant.
College; some look for the experience to open their minds in extending their educations; as others look at it as the first step towards adulthood and running away from home as fast as possible. Sororities and fraternities have been around for decades with America’s blind eye turned towards the injustices that encompass the stigma. Student hazing deaths are climbing and something has to change to prevent these actions. What will it take to change fraternity culture?
confidence.” This idea relates to how sorority girls act differently. For example, in a sorority one
Greek Life, or the presence of fraternities and sororities, exists in many colleges and universities. According to Michael Grandillo in an Encyclopedia article, “there are more than 5,500 chapters on 800 campuses throughout the United States and Canada.” Although Greek Life is so common, participation in such organizations can be a controversial topic, particularly when critics suggest that hazing can be detrimental to students' health and college careers. For those who do not know much about Greek Life, or the process that one goes through to become affiliated with this system, there is first a week called “rush week,” where fraternities and sororities host parties in attempt to cajole students into joining their organizations. If members
The Greek life at Syracuse University is amazing. It is very prominent and has a big role in many students' lives. It brings together all different people to unify them as one family. To those struggling to find the right friends during their first semester, it gives them an opportunity to find the niche they belong in. For those trying to network and build new connections, this process opens doors and new relations. The ability to help out in different philanthropic causes and find lifelong connections is what is best about the Greek life here. However, for me and my personal position in life, I felt that joining the Greek life would hinder my ability to grow as an individual.