Dispelling myths about Greek life

Greek organizations have touched millions of lives throughout their 200 years of existence in American higher education. Fraternities and sororities have given innumerable students a sense of belonging, and they have helped to teach teamwork, interpersonal skills, self-control, the importance of being well rounded, and many other values. While undergraduates are the ones most directly affected by their involvement in Greek chapters, the relationships built within the framework of the Greek experience are still fostered and held dear by many people throughout their lives.

As society has changed, so has the role Greek organizations play in American society. Fraternities originally began as literary societies, but over time they developed into social living organizations. This transition brought many social changes for the undergraduates involved. More and more fraternities and sororities are placed in the spotlight and publicly criticized for various social problems.

This list answers many of the stereotypes about Greek life, and the information here will guide you to a better understanding of what the Wright State Greek community is doing to create a safer and more rewarding experience for its undergraduate members.

Stereotype #1: Being a member of a fraternity or sorority takes up an unreasonable amount of time

It’s true that joining a fraternity or sorority requires a certain amount of time and dedication. However, the time and effort required is by no means enough to interfere with other time commitments or academic success. The Greek commitment begins during a new member or pre-initiation period, when prospective chapter members are required to attend meetings or ceremonies to learn about their chapter’s history and values. Some chapters also administer written tests about chapter history and other information. This education serves a dual purpose: it gives prospective members enough information about their chapter to make an informed decision about whether or not to continue their participation, and it allows chapters to make informed decisions about whether or not to initiate the prospective members.

It’s a common misconception that joining a Greek community takes so much time that academic performance suffers and participation in other extracurricular activities is impossible. It’s true that an active social calendar and other Greek programming does take up a certain amount of time, but it’s incorrect to assume that this time commitment is unbearable or unreasonable. At WSU academics remain top priority. This means that academic commitments preclude any other time commitments. Members of the Greek community are not required to attend any event, program, or meeting that might conflict with academic requirements.

Students with good time management skills can participate in a Greek chapter and still maintain their grades and involvement in other activities. Varsity athletes, members of pep band, ROTC students, theatre and dance majors, and pre-med or engineering majors are just a few examples of students with large time commitments who regularly join the WSU Greek community. Remember, the extracurricular programming in the Greek system is available and beneficial, but certainly not required.

Stereotype #2: Being a part of a Greek organization is more expensive than other organizations

Many people outside the Greek community actually refer to this belief by saying that “Greeks buy their friends.” They assume that all fraternity and sorority members are rich and that the cost of Greek life is out of reach for many students.

There are costs associated with membership in a Greek organization, but these costs are reasonable considering the benefits. The fees will likely be higher during the quarter you join, but these fees often cover costs associated with the membership badge and a subscription to the national magazine. The fees vary from chapter to chapter and many offer payment plans. Be sure to ask each chapter about the required fees during recruitment.

Stereotype #3: Greeks are elitist, racist, and sexist

It’s easy for a person to make rash assumptions and judgments about things he or she is not familiar with. Unfortunately, the terms “elitist, racist, and sexist” are very grave accusations, and to stereotype Greeks as having prejudices is unfair and incorrect. These stereotypes are especially inapplicable to WSU’s Greek community, as steps are taken on a regular basis to reach out to the campus and community. The WSU Greek community welcomes people of all backgrounds and actively educates all members about the importance and value of diversity.

Many people argue that because fraternities only recruit men and sororities only recruit women that the two institutions are sexist. What these people fail to realize is that federal law exempts fraternities and sororities from Title IX guidelines. Greek chapters are social living organizations and are therefore not required to be coeducational. WSU fraternities and sororities interact on a regular basis, and the Greek community sponsors educational programs on sexual harassment, abuse, and acquaintance rape annually.

Stereotype #4: Hazing is a reality among fraternities and sororities

Hazing is the most publicly feared concept associated with Greek life today. These fears are justified because hazing is easily the most dangerous and destructive practice an organization can take part in. Although many people automatically associate the term “hazing” with the idea of mistreating or abusing pledges or new members, any member can actually be a victim of hazing. Hazing can be defined as singling out an individual or group of people and forcing them to do something that is psychologically, physically, or emotionally harmful or damaging.

Greek organizations nationwide strive to eliminate hazing from their cultures through proactive approaches and strict enforcement of anti-hazing policies. Wright State University’s Office of Student Activities and collaborative partners strive to provide quality anti-hazing programming and education. WSU students can be assured of a safe and rewarding experience in a WSU fraternity or sorority.

Stereotype #5: Greek chapters encourage binge drinking and drug abuse among their members

The movie Animal House has had a profound impact on the beliefs of many Americans about Greek life. But the stereotypical party atmosphere in the movie is not a reality—and certainly not the norm. Because Greek chapters comprise the largest student organizations nationwide, Greek communities are constantly in the media spotlight. Social problems such as binge drinking and drug use occur in nearly every facet of society, but their presence is magnified in fraternities and sororities.

Each WSU chapter is required to abide by federal, state, and university policies on drugs and alcohol. Numerous programs are in place to educate and help to minimize the role that drugs and alcohol play within the Greek community. Detailed risk management policies outline the required steps to be taken to minimize liabilities and dangers at social events. Annual programming sponsored by the WSU Office of Student Activities and collaborative partners, as well as, each chapter’s microprogramming have aided in greatly reducing the influence of drugs and alcohol at WSU.

Stereotype #6: The Animal House/ Hollywood/TV image is true

In the 1980s the movie Animal House, starring John Belushi, became a smash hit. The movie’s satirical depiction of the wild side of fraternity life—binge drinking, widespread hazing, sexual harassment, wild toga parties, open drug use, and substandard living conditions—became the American public’s perception of Greek life. As the movie grew in popularity, sororities and fraternities nationwide saw a huge downturn in recruitment numbers.

This trend is still seen today. Almost every year the number of Greek chapters shrinks and the number of new initiates dwindles. Unfortunately, much of the poor public perception encouraged by Animal House is undeserved in today’s Greek systems. Nearly every state in the nation has adopted an anti-hazing law. College campuses, Greek systems, national Greek organizations, and individual chapters have all taken strides to reduce hazing, drug and alcohol abuse, and liability through stricter rules and increased educational programming. Granted, there are still isolated incidents of hazing and alcohol-related deaths or injuries, but many institutions, especially Wright State University, are taking proactive stances to prevent these tragedies.

Stereotype #7: Joining a Greek organization inhibits academic performance

Admittedly, fraternities and sororities have moved away from their roots of purely academic organizations such as literary societies. However, the transition to social groups does not necessarily mean that academics were thrown out the window. In fact, the opposite is true at WSU. Undergraduates are attending the university to pursue an education, not membership in a Greek chapter.

This knowledge ensures an “academics first” attitude within the chapters. Academic performance is encouraged by both all-Greek programming and individual chapter policies. In general, each chapter has scholarship and new member education chairpersons who are responsible for maintaining academic success within the chapters. Study hours, academic accountability partners, and scholarship are a few examples of academic programming at the chapter level.

Stereotype #8: Greek chapters are irresponsible because they do not answer to a higher authority

There is a common misperception that because Greek chapters are social organizations maintained by the undergraduates who are members of them, there is a complete lack of authority and control. Truth be told, an elaborate hierarchy of power is in place to ensure the success and safety of undergraduate members.

Each fraternity and sorority has the opportunity to hold a number of  leadership positions. Each officer has a set of duties he or she is responsible for completing. Chapters may also utilize a committee system to assist the officers in their duties.

The executive council of officers within each chapter must then answer to several outside bodies:

• Greek Affairs Council (GAC), National Pan-Hellenic (NPHC), Interfraternity (IFC), and National Panhellenic Conference(NPC) executive councils act as governing bodies for the fraternity and sorority chapters. These executive councils are comprised of seven or eight experienced officers who are elected by the presidents of each fraternity or sorority. The executive councils develop and enforce policies within the WSU Greek community.
• Each Chapter’s Alumni/ae Advisory Board is made up of Chapter Alumni/ae who volunteer their time to advise the chapter. These Alumni/ae make sure the Chapter is functioning properly and that the undergraduate members are acting safe and responsibly.
• Each chapter is sponsored and given its charter, or permission to operate, by a large national fraternity or sorority. These national organizations ultimately determine the status of their member chapters. (One chapter, Beta Phi Omega, is nota a part of a larger national organization but has been on WSU’s campus since Wright State’s first year. This chapter has an active Alumni Governing Board and is required to meet all policies of a national organization.) Therefore, all of WSU’s chapters must meet certain guidelines and complete the appropriate paperwork required by their national organizations.
• And because Greek chapters are registered with WSU as student organizations, they must also abide by university policies. These regulations are imposed by university administrators.
• The final and most stringent set of policies that Greek chapters must abide by is state and federal laws. In conclusion, there are many bodies in place to help maintain a safe and appropriate environment for members of the Greek community.

Stereotype #9: Fraternities and sororities do not foster leadership skills

There’s no shortage of leadership opportunities in the WSU Greek community. Each individual chapter has elected officer positions each year, and Greek-wide leadership positions on the Greek Affairs Council (GAC) National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Interfraternity Council (IFC) and National Panhellenic Council (NPC) are also available.

Another great resource for developing leadership abilities is the abundance of role models and mentors who share their experiences and knowledge with younger members. Also, Greek community members have access to leadership programs and resources provided by the WSU Office of Student Activities.

Stereotype #10: The Greek experience will not mold well-rounded individuals

This belief is without a doubt the most incorrect assumption about Greek life. Greek communities offer limitless opportunities for academic, leadership, social, and personal development.

Academic

Chapter members have access to older, more experienced students, mentors, and scholarship programming within their chapters. Wright State University values academic excellence, and this attitude is carried on within the Greek community through the credo “academics first.” Chapters understand that academic responsibilities take priority over all other programming or requirements.

Leadership

You’ll find leadership positions in each chapter, within the Greek community, and across the entire university. Greeks are exposed to mentors and role models in every facet of Greek life. Members of the Greek Community have access to leadership programs and resources provided by the WSU Office of Student Activities.

Social

An active social calendar helps members of the Greek community to finetune interpersonal skills. Constant interaction with members of their own and other chapters helps members to network and build long-lasting friendships.

Personal

Individuals learn important lessons about themselves from experiences in the Greek community. They can discover their own strengths and weaknesses and learn how to utilize their talents for the future. Time management skills, the importance of cultural diversity, and interpersonal skills are all covered by speakers, roundtable discussions, and other programming sponsored by the WSU Greek community.

Stereotype #11: Joining a chapter eliminates the ability to develop friendships with other students on campus

This belief is absolutely false. Interaction with students in and out of the Greek community occurs all the time. Friends are made in the classroom and in all types of extracurricular activities, and the list goes on and on. Many members of the WSU Greek community made lots of friends while living in either the residence halls or in off-campus apartments. And most students maintain strong friendships with students from high schools or hometowns—whether or not they join a fraternity or sorority.

To foster an inclusive atmosphere, the Greek community at WSU has taken huge strides planning campuswide events. Chapter philanthropies, Homecoming festivities, and events such as Up-til-Dawn have all been designed to include the entire WSU student body and surrounding community.

Stereotype #12: Parents can’t be involved in their student’s Greek experience

Each WSU fraternity and sorority plans events to involve the families of chapter members. Chapters may host a Dad’s Weekend, Mom’s Weekend, Sibling’s Weekend, or Family Weekend. Keep in mind that individual chapters are responsible for planning their own events, so it might be important to ask chapters about these events. In addition, most chapters keep family members up to date on chapter news through newsletters or other means.

Stereotype #13: Joining a fraternity or sorority does not offer any advantages over other collegiate activities

Many people outside the Greek community do not see the wealth of opportunities available through fraternities and sororities. They’re wrong.

Academic resources—such as older undergraduates, study hours, study groups, and friends to keep students academically accountable—are not in short supply. Leadership skills are fostered through chapter offices, university leadership positions, and many role models and mentors. A planned social calendar aids in developing interpersonal skills, a network of friends and resources, and lifelong friendships. The Greek experience also offers community service opportunities.

Greek life also offers a network of Alumni/ae throughout your lifetime. Being a part of a Greek organization offers a lifetime bond that is not likely to be found in other campus organizations.

Stereotype #14: New members are not allowed to participate in chapter decision making

It is generally believed that new or prospective members of Greek living organizations are allowed no input whatsoever, that they are treated as inferiors, and that they are subservient to active chapter members. In reality, new members are the foundation of any Greek chapter. They can make or break chapter success depending upon the effort, heart, and soul they put into their chapter.

Different fraternities and sororities use different programs to prepare their new members for initiation. Some chapters utilize a new member system. This system is designed around the idea that new members will learn and grow the most in a close-knit group with other new members, or a new member class. New members are not allowed to vote in chapter, but are offered many opportunities to become active in their organization. For example, planning a community a service project or becoming a committee member. While new members may not vote, they have a great deal of input in chapter events and decisions. In this particular system, new member class unity is believed to be the foundation of brotherhood and growth. Friendships and bonds are strongest among members of the same age and new member class.

A second type of new member education is called an associate program. New members are called “associates” because they are associating with the chapter prior to initiation. Associates have the same privileges as the active members within the chapter. Voting privileges and responsibilities are the same for all members, regardless of age or class. This system focuses on chapter-wide unity. Friendships and bonds are not necessarily stronger among members of the same age or class.

Each type of education program has its strengths and benefits. Regardless of format, this programming is vital to developing worthwhile and active chapter members.

Stereotype #15: Fraternities and sororities do not benefit their surrounding communities

By being in the public spotlight, Greek communities are often blamed for social problems and isolated tragedies, but rarely given the credit they deserve for positive contributions to their communities.

Each national fraternity and sorority has an established philanthropy (donated funds), or community service program (donated man/labor hours), that raises money for a charity of choice. These philanthropies are carried out by member chapters all over the nation. The community service programs are good for public relations, and they help with recruitment efforts, but above all they allow chapters to give back to the community. These nationally designed service projects make up only a small percentage of the actual service projects carried out by Greek communities. Wright State Greek undergraduates donated many hours and dollars to the surrounding community last year. Most of the time and money was donated at Chapter-initiated events and by individual volunteerism. These community service projects are fun and often double as social events because chapters regularly donate their time and energy to events sponsored by other chapters.