Today’s fraternities and sororities might surprise you! For many parents, the Greek community conjures up images of Animal House. That’s simply not the reality! There are many myths about the Greek community, but the reality is that men and women in fraternities and sororities are committed to their academics, volunteer time in the community, develop and strengthen their leadership skills, and form a campus network with other Greeks.
National research projects, conducted by the Center of Advanced Social Research at the University of Missouri, provide data that supports the beneficial qualities of membership in a fraternity or sorority. Students who join Greek life are 28% more likely to return to school the following year than students who choose not return. Following graduation, Greek-affiliated alumni often secure employment closely matching their career path due to alumni networking opportunities.
Sororities have a history on campus dating back to the school’s founding. These organizations are rooted in founding principles that foster academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and life-long friendships. Greek organizations are groups of men and women who come together to form a personal network of individuals with similar ideas, interests, and a mutual pursuit of a well-rounded college education.
Advantages include:
A support group to help make the adjustment to college easier.
Scholastic resources to help student achieve their academic goals.
Leadership skills acquired through hands-on experience.
Encouragement to get involved and maximize their potential on campus.
Opportunities for active participation in community service projects.
Sororities serve as a great resource for students academically, through study hours and tutoring programs. Most chapters require a high grade point average for initial membership into the organization.
Because the Greek community at The University of Akron contributes to the social activity on campus, it has taken great strides toward creating a responsible and safe environment for its members. All fraternities and sororities have strict policies regulating the consumption of alcohol for underage members and guests. Organizations work closely with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life staff to conduct safe social activities. All Greek organizations are held accountable to The University of Akron Alcohol Policy and all State of Ohio and Federal Laws.
Like any opportunity for involvement in college, there is a financial commitment associated with a joining a sorority. The costs go toward the Inter/National fees, chapter operating expenses, and social functions. Financial obligations differ among individual chapters. New member can expect to pay higher dues their first semester than in subsequent ones. During primary recruitment, chapters are given a Finance Brochure with a breakdown of expected fees.
Additional costs throughout the semester will go toward chapter pictures, gifts, t-shirts, etc. There are payment plans available for students, as well as scholarships within the individual chapters. While your daughter is participating in the recruitment process, make sure that she asks about the financial obligations of membership.
Here at UA, the campus culture and physical setting does not support hazing activities. Recent reports show that much of the most serious hazing incidents happening today are taking place in high schools, and students are bringing that experience with them to college. All of the NPC sororities support efforts to eliminate hazing.
Individual chapters elect officers to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by alumnae who act as advisors. Each chapter is also responsible to their International organization, which offers support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff and regional volunteers. At UA, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life serves as the primary contacts for the Greek community.
