Fraternities and sororities are not for everyone. But as
with every experience, especially those during your
college years, it's important to try new things. There are
pros and cons to every experience so it's important to weigh your options before
making decisions. Here are some things to think about before signing up.
Fraternities and Sororities
The process of joining a fraternity
or sorority differs from organization to organization—however, groups governed
by the
National
Panhellenic Conference or the
North-American Interfraternity Conference generally begin
their recruitment process with "Rush Week." Rush Week usually consists of events
and activities designed for members and potential members to learn about each
other and the organization.
Organizations governed by the National
Pan-Hellenic Council (
NPHC), the National Association of Latino Fraternal
Organizations (
NALFO)
or the National Multicultural Greek Council (NMGC) have very different
recruitment processes. These organizations don't host a rush week, instead
interested students must formally express their interest to a member.
Pros:
- Networking. One of the main selling points for joining a fraternity
or sorority is the networking opportunities. When joining an organization,
you'll be able to make connections with not only current members, but with
former members. For many, it isn't just a four-year college experience like a
school club; it's a lifetime involvement.
- Charitable work. Through fundraisers, fraternities and sororities
raise money for national and local charities as well as individual causes. Many
organizations also commit to community service hours.
- Housing. Fraternity and sorority housing (if available) can be less
expensive than living in the residence halls. Living with your peers also exposes you to
more real-life situations - the house must be maintained, bills will need to be
paid, etc. Living in an off-campus apartment may be cheaper than a dorm and
living with your "brothers" or "sisters" can be more cost effective.
Cons:
- Financial commitment. When joining a fraternity, you'll have to pay
dues. There is a financial obligation to joining a fraternity. Dues must be paid
every semester; however many chapters have payment plans that can be set up.
It's perfectly OK to ask how much the dues are when going to recruitment events.
You don't want to end up with unforeseen money problems because you didn't get
all the facts up front and plan accordingly.
- Time commitment. Greek life is time consuming. Weekly meetings and
events can take up much of your free time leaving you exhausted. If you practice
good time management skills, this aspect can easily be overcome.
Every fraternity and sorority is different. Be sure to ask them
what time commitment is necessary to successfully pledge and become a member in
good standing.
It's important to realize that you shouldn't expect to join a
fraternity or sorority just to put it on your resume or to use it solely for
networking.
- Hazing. It only takes one hazing incident to make headlines and ruin
the image of any fraternity or sorority no matter how much community service
they perform. Although all governing organizations are against hazing culture,
it still happens. Just remember to report anything you think may be hazing to
school officials as soon as possible.
- Parties. The image of frats and sororities as beer-guzzling party
animals can be an exaggeration; however, many stereotypes have a grain of truth
in them. With the amount of events that fraternities and sororities are involved
in, it can be easy to get carried away with drinking and
partying.
Participating in Greek life can be fun. You'll get to meet
new people and try new things but it may or may not be right for you. It's
important to evaluate what you're looking for in your college experience and see
if joining a sorority or fraternity is right for you.