Page 278 - Keys to College Success

“round,” students are either asked back or “cut” depending on how the organization’s
membership votes.
Many people have strong opinions, whether positive or negative, about Greek life.
If your school has a Greek system, do some research and decide for yourself whether it
holds value for you. As a starting point, consider the list of potential pros and cons in
Key 9.6.
If you do participate in the Greek system, think critically and independently
throughout your experience. Make choices that maximize what you want to get out
of membership, and minimize anything that does not appeal to you. If you witness or
are subjected to practices that are unlawful and/or against school or Greek system
rules, consider speaking out—the risk you take may be worth the reward for you and HAZING
others in similar situations. Contact the office that oversees Greek organizations. of someone joining or
Any activity expected
Even though nearly all Greeks and colleges officially ban hazing and other danger- participating in a group
ous practices, it still happens—and not just in Greek life. Hazingprevention.org that humiliates, degrades,
reports that hazing happens to over 50% of students involved in clubs, teams, and abuses, or endangers
organizations. 8 person regardless of his
or her willingness to
participate.
9
Intramural Athletics
All students can play, enjoy, and benefit from sports. Many colleges have an intramu-
ral program that provides opportunities for students not competing at the level of
intercollegiate athletics. Games and competitions are restricted to groups of students
within the college (intramural is Latin for “within [the] wall”) and are voluntary and
open to all.

KEY 9.6 Think critically about participating in Greek organizations.

Potential Pros
Social connections with a wider circle
Opportunities to serve the school and community in volunteer and philanthropic activities
Leadership training and support for academic achievement (most organizations require that you maintain a minimum GPA)
Planned social events such as formals, mixers (one Greek organization planning a get-together with one or more other specific
organizations), and other parties
A sense of belonging to something larger than yourself, and—depending on the organization—an opportunity to live by a set of ideals
A potential housing solution, if the organization has a physical home
Lifelong membership, providing future networking opportunities and promoting lasting friendships

Potential Cons
Cost (one-time membership fee, regular chapter and activity fees, possibly housing fees)
People, Resources, and Opportunities
Time spent (especially for the semester of time as a “pledge” or uninitiated member, can require a significant time commitment)
Exclusivity (most fraternities and sororities admit some students and reject others)
Partying (depending on the organization, you may find you are expected to party more than you would like; also, alcohol or substance
consumption can get out of control)
Lack of diversity (depending on the school, organizations may tend to offer membership to more homogenous groups of students)
Assumptions and stereotypes (if you are in the system, or in a particular organization, others may make inaccurate assumptions about you)
Hazing

241