Exploring the Culture of Fraternities and Sororities in US Colleges 

If you’ve seen Greek life in US colleges in movies, then you are about to experience one in a college or university.  

Fraternities and Sororities in US Colleges engage in philanthropic activities. They host parties and provide training for new members and instructions on manners, etiquette, dress and way of presentation.    

They form a brotherhood or sisterhood for a common purpose or goal to make an impact in society and the world. They commit to each other for life and share their knowledge, friendship and efforts to make a difference.    

It is often referred to as the Greek System first founded in 1776 at the Appalachian State University, North California. Today, there are presently over 1,500 Greek organizations in the United States colleges and universities. Although Greek life is common in American universities, nevertheless, it is also common in Canadian universities.   

Significance of Greek life in American collegiate culture  

The significance of Greek life in America is it acts as a podium to meet, network and communicate with students from various countries, backgrounds and cultures. So, came the term “Go Greek” into existence!   

Many American universities in the southern part of the country run various fraternities and sororities in US Colleges. This is done to project the idea and importance of social life with its benefits. The cheery on top is you get to experience university culture and lifestyle and sustain a good name for your career and prospects. 

History of Fraternities and Sororities  

In 1776, the first fraternity was started in the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. It was started by a group of students who called it Phi Beta Kappa which existed for 50 years.  Then the chapters were started in schools, including Yale, Harvard and Dartmouth.     

It all began as a group who were interested in debating current events and literature off the curriculum set forth by the colleges.  The students wanted to learn more than just the topics taught in the classroom and be able to express their opinions freely. Many universities foster these groups and encourage students to think and speak freely.     

Evolution of Greek organizations: foundation to the present day   

Expansion stage: By the 19th century, they expanded across the colleges and universities of America. This movement was characterized by many fraternities and sororities. They each came with a purpose, rules, rituals and regulations.       

Social organization: Many of these turned into social academic organizations providing opportunities for social, intellectual and developmental progress with an emphasis on community service or philanthropy work.      

Challenges: There were some challenges in its evolution. Greek life faced some controversies regarding behaviour, parties, misconduct and racial discrimination. Due to these issues, it’s led to strict scrutiny from colleges, universities and even lawmakers.       

Modernization:   

Greek life has made many efforts over the years to modernize and adapt to new culture, norms and expectations. Many of them are trying to address issues such as hazing and alcohol abuse. At the same time, they are also trying to promote inclusivity, diversity and equality.   

Purpose and Functions of Fraternities and Sororities 

• Strengthen the scholarship of our members 
• Promote brotherhood and sisterhood 
• Networking opportunities 
• Academic and Social Support 
•  Leadership Development  
• Engage students with community service 
• Support the philanthropic work 
• Build the character and integrity of our members 
• Affirm personal and organizational responsibility 
• Support the mission and goals many groups 

Membership and Recruitment Process:   

It’s a time-consuming process as it involves deep and thorough research in listing out the fraternities, attending the rush week for a list of options managing the bids and finally signing the bid card you want to join.    

Recruitment process:  

Fraternity recruitment – It’s a week-long process that takes place in the evening with events including sessions, lawn games or barbecues. The bids are extended on Friday.    

Sorority recruitment – It’s a week-long process that takes place in a more formal nature with themes that cover the sorority life, sisterhood, philanthropy and others. The bids are extended on Friday.    

Process of joining a fraternity or sorority 

Step 1: Choosing a fraternity or sorority 

-Decide on the type of fraternity or sorority you wish to join 

-Attend events of various fraternity or sorority 

– Narrow down the list  

– Meet with the fraternity or sorority of your interest 

-Manage your bids 

– Finally choose your brotherhood or sisterhood 

Step 2: How to pledge  

• Know what to expect out of the pledge 
• Do not succumb to the process of hazing 
• Take your time to commit to the pledge 
• Get involve and engage in philanthropy work 
• Keep track of your academics 
• Engage yourself in social work and activities 

Requirements  for membership and the selection process  

First Year students: require 12 credit hours or more; GPA of 2.5 cumulative or higher. 

Transfer students: No credit required; GPA of 2.5 cumulative or higher. 

Upper class students: Same requirement as first year; must have not joined any other organizations previously. The total membership fees typically range between $600 and $1,400 per year.  

Efforts by colleges and universities to regulate and reform Greek organizations 

Reforming policies 

The institutions are always reviewing and updating their policies to address the behavior of the group which may involve strict regularization in alcohol, hazing and even partying policies.    

Educational programs 

The institutions implement educational programs aimed at Greek life to teach students more about responsible behaviour, leadership, and awareness of issues such as sexual assault, discrimination and substance abuse.   

External collaboration 

There is an institution that works and collaborates with National Greek organizations and committees that monitor and regulate the chapters to ensure that they follow certain guidelines and values.    

Hazing prevention 

There are efforts made by the institution which implement strict hazing policies and educate students about the dangers of hazing and to report any incidents on the same.  

Conclusion:  

The role and significance of fraternities and sororities in US colleges is to encourage the intellectual, personal, spiritual, and social development of student members. The diverse experiences and perspectives within Greek life are to form and support the brotherhood and sisterhood.