Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Andrea Lawley
ENG 1201 Online
Professor Cassel
28 April 2019
Behind the Greek Letters: The Truth about Sororities and Fraternities
Thanks to movies like So Undercover, Step Sisters and Sydney White, sororities and
fraternities are no stranger to the public eye. There are nearly nine million active Greek students
and alumni across the United States equating to three percent of the population and every
fall, the number expands. Since Greek life tends to have a poor reputation in the media, most
people don’t see the sorority and fraternity triumphs. The unnoticed impact of Greek life across
America is far and wide, as many of supreme court justices and presidents were a part of Greek
life and the Greek affiliated average GPA is higher than the average of those who are not a part
of Greek life. While the process and popularity of Greek life varies across universities, all
students join Greek life with the intention of finding a place within college. Although in some
cases Greek life can be stereotyped as a danger because of drinking, drug abuse and hazing,
Greek life can actually be a dominantly positive experience with many opportunities such as
networking, social skills and philanthropy presented to help one experience the most growth and
get the best experience from college.
People opposed to sororities and fraternities have the common misconception that alcohol
and drug abuse automatically come with Greek life. While drug and alcohol abuse are
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significant downsides to the collegiate experience, being a part of Greek life does not directly
cause this behavior. While there is significant evidence pointing towards Greek life members
drinking more and it is sad to see many students being led astray, there is no evidence that
sororities and fraternities cause this behavior. How do we know that the student wouldn’t have
abused alcohol and drugs if they weren’t in the sorority or fraternity? The American
Psychological Association conducted a study that truly examined the cause of Greek collegiate
drug abuse. The study analyzed the possibility of other factors playing a role in heavy drinking
habits such as “academic ability, gender, peer norms and personality traits” instead of solely
Greek life. While the study found an increase in Greek drinking due to many collegiate students
believing “their friends drink heavily and support excessive drinking habits,” researchers also
noted students involved in a fraternity or sorority were more extroverted and most likely
would’ve drank regardless of their participation in Greek life (American Psychological
Association pars. 2 & 4). Contrary to popular belief, being in a sorority or fraternity does not
necessarily cause drinking and drug abuse as many students are prone to do it regardless of
Greek affiliation.
Since drinking unfortunately still occurs, many college campuses and Greek
organizations are working to discourage drinking on campus. Jack Suntrup, a state government
and politics reporter for the St. Louis PostDispatch newspaper online describes the steps
University of MissouriColumbia administrators are taking to discourage alcohol consumption.
One proposal includes, “limiting social events involving alcohol to Thursday through Sunday for
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only four hours.” Mizzou also proposes keeping pledges out of Greek housing and letting first
year active members stay only “if the fraternity or sorority met certain academic benchmarks,
kept a drugand alcoholfree environment, and maintained other standards” (Suntrup par. 2).
After many Greek conflicts at Mizzou, this proposal comes as a relief and a way for the
university to work towards eliminating drinking. While it is impossible to tell how students will
react to this new proposal, it is a step in the right direction. Similar to policies enacted at
Mizzou, TIME magazine reporter, Alexandra Sifferlin, describes multiple ways other colleges
combat bingedrinking. Sifferlin says that Harvard University distributes “grants so students can
buy items other than alcohol for their parties.” Harvard’s goal is to reduce drinking at parties
among students and encourage a safe social environment. Sifferlin also reports that “The
University of Virginia started a “Savvy Fox” program for registered designated drivers [to] get
free nonalcoholic drinks all day, pizza, and other swag” (Sifferlin pars. 7 & 8). The University
of Virginia provides these incentives so that students will stay sober to drive others and
hopefully break drinking habits. UV hopes these students will set an example and serve as
ambassadors to show that good things come to those who don’t drink. These initiatives are
multiplying across the country and have changed the drinking atmosphere for college students.
Researchers believe that the main cause of such widespread drug abuse is the misconception that
college students’ peers are drinking more than they really are. College campuses hope to
illuminate student’s thought process and show them that some of their peers may be
overexaggerating their drinking habits. Universities have noticed that Greek life has started to
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stray and now wants to help their Greek and nonGreek affiliated students understand the
dangers and decrease bingedrinking and drug abuse. In a personal interview, the Alpha Phi
Secretary of Loss at The University of Alabama, junior Kate Thomas commented on the
preventions put in place at UA, saying, “Alpha Phi and IFC have really worked together in the
last two years to essentially erase drinking and drugs from campus. They implement social
probation periods for houses that get caught” (Thomas). Thomas has seen a change for the better
in her sorority and admits that while drinking and drug abuse still happens, it is less frequent.
She expresses gratitude towards incentive programs at UA for making her feel safe and changing
the Alpha Phi atmosphere. While drinking and drug abuse can sometimes be a negative part of
college, it is not a valid reason to extinguish or not join Greek life altogether as there are
initiatives and prevention programs being put in place and no proof that Greek life directly
causes drinking habits.
In addition to the common misconception that Greek life causes drinking and drug abuse,
those in opposition also believe that fraternities and sororities are made up solely of hazing.
HazingPrevention.org, a national nonprofit organization empowering people to prevent hazing
within colleges defines hazing as “any action taken or any situation created intentionally that
causes embarrassment, harassment or ridicule.” Colin Schlank a University of Connecticut
graduate speaks out with HazingPrevention.org on his experiences with hazing within the
recruitment process. Schlank says that while he was in a car with older members during
recruitment, “the brother driving sped up to what felt like ninety miles an hour and shook the
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steering wheel back and forth; it sent me and the other pledge in the backseat flying.” Schlank
stood up to his older brothers during the recruitment process and questioned their methods and
motives, but was only shut down. Within his next few years in the fraternity, he made it his goal
to enact change and eliminate hazing. Schlank says that “my mission is not to incriminate my
fraternity or brothers, but to raise awareness about hazing and promote the positive aspects of the
fraternal movement.” Schlank goes on to say that while his Greek experience had many highs
and lows he says he is still “forever grateful that I made the choice to join” (Schlank pars. 2, 4 &
7). While hazing is a very immediate issue that is being addressed through organizations and
student advocates, it should not be a reason to shut down or not join Greek life altogether. What
many people don’t understand, is that Greek life is made up of more than the rare unfortunate
hazing circumstances. Schlank agrees that there is more to Greek life, as he says that despite his
unfortunate hazing experiences, he is still grateful to have been a part of something. Although
there are some hazing horror stories, most sororities and fraternities do not haze their new
members and being a part of Greek Life is a predominantly uplifting experience.
Elissa Sanci, a member of Phi Sigma Sigma studying journalism in Connecticut explains
her positive experience for Thought Catalog, the second year member describes that she has not
“experienced even one second of hazing.” Sanci goes on to say that the media gives Greeks a
bad name and “forgets to highlight all the things that a sorority or fraternity actually consist of…
the media can’t convey, not even in the slightest, what it’s like to look at a group of people and
feel immediate support, love admiration and pride” (Sanchi pars. 4 & 9). The media has a
Fig. 1. Sigma Delta Tau holds a walk in
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reputation to report only the faulty parts of sororities
and fraternities, such as hazing because the favorable
parts aren’t newsworthy.
Many will develop negative viewpoints on Greek life
and people must be cautious with which information
they digest from media outlets and understand that they might not explain the full story.
Contrary to what the media shows, many schools are putting preventions and hazing education
into action. Kate Thomas, Alpha Phi’s Secretary of Loss commented on hazing prevention at the
University of Alabama, saying “the OFSL and IFC are doing everything they can and again
really pushing for reform and education of the community and has started being more proactive
and preventative rather than punishing” (Thomas). Like The University of Alabama, colleges
and students are putting forth change within Greek culture and putting a stop to hazing. Even
with these preventions in place, students should still be selective as to which fraternity or sorority
they chose and make sure it is the right fit for them with no hazing involved. Thomas goes on to
say, “Greek life gets such a bad reputation in the press, and rightfully so for the terrible incidents
that occur, but when you’re a part of a community that is actively changing the culture and
making it a safe, beneficial, and comfortable environment, it can truly change one’s entire
college experience for the better. I know that’s what it’s done for me” (Thomas). While Greek
life hazing punishments are fair and efforts towards ending hazing should continue to grow, there
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are also many positives to Greek life that many students would miss out on if they were not to
participate in a sorority or fraternity for fear of hazing.
One of the lesserknown advantages to being a part of a sorority or fraternity is the
networking opportunities. Being in a fraternity or sorority means constantly meeting new people
and learning new things. Being social is an essential part of being in Greek life and if taken
advantage of, can be used to advance a future path after college. Greek Life can lead to
countless interviews, listing references, and getting letters of recommendation. Kate Thomas
from UA says, “my sorority has helped me find so many different opportunities on campus like
service projects, campus involvement, and honor societies that I never would’ve known about.
I’m confident it will help me find my future job as well” (Thomas). Joining Greek Life is an
investment in the future, as paying a cost to be a part of a sorority or fraternity will in turn help
one to develop connections and can lead to better job placement and an increased salary after
college.
Magazine journalist and editor, Sarah Madaus from HerCampus, a website designed to
act as a guide to the college scene, interviewed Hannah Bergey about her experiences in Zeta
Tau Alpha and the advantages that came with sorority networking. With so many different
sisters, all with different plans for after college, Bergey says, that means “a foot in hundreds of
doors.” Greek Life has the potential to connect college students with people that can lead them
to their dream job. Bergey goes on to say that her most invaluable experiences were during her
college years as she gained a “giant web of new friends” and said “knowing people from the
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Greek system has gotten me every job I’ve had so far! Your friend could have a friend who
knows someone who could get you your dream job” (Madaus par. 4 & 5). The Greek system has
provided many people with not only lifelong friendships, but connections that completely change
one’s future lifestyle.
In addition to gaining the upper hand in networking, Greek life can advance one’s ability
to land a job. Throughout a student’s four years, sororities and fraternities teach valuable lessons
and morals that can help impress future employers. During rush, many recruits and members go
through an interviewing process. Recruits, as the interviewees and the active members as the
interviewers, must uphold proper etiquette and make a lasting impression. Hannah Bergey
describes the process with HerCampus reporter, Sarah Madaus, saying, “we learn how to talk to
people, like how to hold eye contact and remember facts about them…kind of like the future and
the jobs you’ll encounter” (Madaus par. 4). This process helps to build a foundation of
knowledge for interviewing for future jobs. When fraternity brothers and sorority sisters go out
for jobs in the future, they understand how to hold intriguing conversation and remain
professional, increasing their chance of landing the job. In addition to interviewing skills, the
rush process as well as certain Greek life events also requires a dress code and teaches members
professional dress. UA’s Kate Thomas says “Alpha Phi helped prepare me for my interview and
lent me their business professional clothes when I had absolutely none” (Thomas). This helps
and teaches members how to dress the part and can be a skill that is carried into the future work
force.
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While Greek life can teach valuable skills for getting the job, sororities and fraternities
can also teach valuable lessons to apply while in the work force. In some universities, there is
what is called a “professional” type of sorority or fraternity that is focused solely on skill
development particular to one major. A professional sorority or fraternity still participates in the
same activities a social sorority or fraternity might participate in, but has an advanced focus on a
certain major and brings people with similar goals for after college, together. Michelle Lewis, a
UNC graduate and senior editor of Her Campus, interviewed Lesley Siu about her experience in
a professional sorority, full of exclusively business majors. Siu says her sorority “hosts a lot of
events to help its members break into the business world.” Lesley goes on to say that she wanted
“to join an organization with longterm benefits and was drawn to Alpha Kappa Psi’s balance
between professional and social aspects” (Lewis pars. 9 & 11). These professional sororities
and fraternities can teach members how to deal with workplace conflict, what jobs members can
land with that particular major and more invaluable skills. With all of these professional skills
taught, going Greek, according to Yoni Blumberg a news associate for CNBC, can “raise your
income by 36% down the road” (Blumberg par, 2). Regardless of the type of sorority or
fraternity professional or social Greek Life provides a very rewarding experience that helps
to teach valuable skills for one’s future endeavors.
In addition to a development of career skills, Greek life can instill lifelong skills and
develop personality traits. Many alumni of Greek organizations report experiencing a significant
growth in confidence. The Daily Pennsylvanian Newspaper’s Amanda Geiser reports on a
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scientific study investigating the connection between selfesteem and sorority rush. Geiser found
that the study indicated that “women who did receive bids reported an increased sense of
belonging on campus” (Geiser, par. 7). Elissa Sanci, a Phi Sigma Sigma from Connecticut
agrees with the study’s findings, saying in Thought Catalog that her sorority sisters gave her “the
confidence to be the person that she is today” (Sanci par. 13). An increase in selfesteem can be
extremely important and can be “linked to almost every element involved in a happy and
fulfilling life,” psychologist Barbara Markway writes for Psychology Today. “The more
confident you become the more you’ll be able to calm the voice inside you that says, “I can’t do
it”’ (Markway par. 1). Confidence is an important skill that Greek life develops and can make
life feel less threatening.
As well as confidence, many Greek members notice a time management and organization
skills development. When you go to college, a student’s first priority is to focus on academics
and obtaining a degree; but college life can involve so much more and many students want to
participate in sports, extracurriculars and some must work. Mikaila Gondreau, writes for the
Iowa State Daily Newspaper, “going Greek and having a job at the same time will require some
sacrifices, but more often than not, will help you build lifelong skills” (Gondreau par. 15). With
only 24 hours in a day, it can be difficult to juggle all of a college student’s responsibilities but
many students say the juggling actually benefited them. Students in fraternities and sororities
must keep up with many commitments, such as weekly meetings, upcoming events and
academics. Not to mention the potential extra things they have going on such as sports or
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employment. Greek life alone teaches students to keep a planner by their side and instills
important time managing skills for the future.
The last notable characteristic gained is leadership. With a role to fill as the face of one’s
sorority or fraternity, members must constantly uphold the values of their organization. When
potential recruits go through rush, the process is exciting and many students are excited to truly
make a difference within a college campus and represent their Greek chapter well. Sororities and
fraternities give students a chance to take charge through a student run organization and take
pride in their accomplishments. Asher Mock, a part of a fraternity at the University at Albany
writes for the Blog of The State University of New York, and says his fraternity has motivated
him to “serve as a campus leader, whether that is attending the next charity event, hosting
educational programs, or conducting fund drives to support different causes” (Mock par. 5).
Members of Greek life not only feel the need to represent their sororities and fraternities well,
but since they are a part of something that is student run, members are more likely to take charge
to make a difference and wear their Greek letters with pride. This motivation to enact change
and pride within one’s accomplishments instills itself into Greek students and carries into their
adult life.
In addition to leading by example, Greek life students can have tangible leadership
positions through elections. Many Greek life presidents around the country agree that it is a
humbling experience that teaches you many things. Julia Sokolowski, president of an Alpha Phi
Chapter at Boston University explained her favorite part of being president, saying she had to
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learn “how to balance likability and liability as a leader….great skills to carry with you in a
professional setting” (Sokolowski par. 7). Like Sokolowski, Katlyn Port, A Sigma Sigma Sigma
chapter president at Drexel University said, “I feel more comfortable approaching just about
anyone to talk, which isn’t something I could say before” (Port par. 7). Holding a position in a
Greek house, while it can be trying, is also one of the most rewarding experiences and leaves
young men and women with a better sense of who they are and who they want to be, which
ultimately, is the end goal of college. Being a part of Greek life – whether holding a tangible
position or not can change a person entirely and mold them into a confident leader that is
ready for the world.
Lastly, as well as skill development, philanthropy can be a great addition to the Greek
experience as it raises funds for those in need and instills
lifelong compassion within college students. Over $7
million is raised from Greek life events across the country,
and over 10 million hours of volunteer service is completed
each year. Without Greek life’s help, many children would
Fig. 2. University of Central Florida
be homeless, diseases would remain untreated and many mouths would be hungry. Northern
raised $1 million for charity and
volunteered tens of thousands of
Kentucky University service hours
reports that their Greek organizations “raised $180,000 from
philanthropy events during the 20172018 academic year” (Northern Kentucky University par.1).
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With every school raising similar amounts to NKU, college students have the potential to change
the world. While helping others, many university students also report feeling better about
themselves after giving back and continue community service after graduation.
TheBestSchools.org says, philanthropy raises thousands of dollars for charity each year all
“while instilling a lasting appreciation for the value of philanthropy and community service
among members” (TheBestSchools.org par. 17). Since many college students are not exposed to
community service during their younger years, exposing students to service during college can
instill compassion and a lifelong objective to serve.
Greek life has been around for decades and has proven to be an effective system that
brings out the best in students. Kate Thomas from UA says, “My favorite thing is when people
make the comment that being a part of Greek life is “paying for friends,” or connections or a fun
college experience, etc., because to them I just say that I would pay the price tag again and again
for what I’ve gotten out of being a part of a sorority” (Thomas). Although in some cases Greek
life can be exaggerated as an extreme danger because of drinking, drug abuse and hazing, Greek
life can actually be a dominantly positive experience with many opportunities such as
networking, social skills and philanthropy presented to help one experience the most growth and
get the best experience from college. With over nine million people in the U.S. involved in
Greek life, sororities and fraternities truly connect people from all different backgrounds and
gives a true sense of belonging.
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Works Cited
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Geiser, Amanda. “Self-Esteem and Sorority Rush: Study Reveals Link.” Self-Esteem and
Sorority Rush: Study Reveals Link, The Daily Pennsylvanian, 29 June 2016,
www.thedp.com/article/2016/06/study-finds-sorority-rush-process-negative.
Lawley, Andrea, and Kate Thomas. “University of Alabama Sororities and Fraternities.” 20 Apr.
2019.
Lewis, Michelle. “Professional Fraternities and Sororities: What They Are & What It's Like to
Be in One.” Professional Fraternities and Sororities: What They Are & What It’s Like to
fraternities-and-sororities-what-they-are-what-it-s-be-one.
Madaus, Sarah. “6 Ways Greek Life Can Benefit Your Future Career.” 6 Ways Greek Life Can
career/6-ways-greek-life-can-benefit-your-future-career.
Markway, Barbara. “Why Self-Confidence Is More Important Than You Think.” Why Self-
Confidence Is More Important Than You Think, Psycology Today, 20 Sept. 2018,
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shyness-is-nice/201809/why-self-confidence-is-more-
important-you-think.
Sanci, Elissa. “Why Joining Greek Life Was The Best Decision I Ever Made.” Why Joining
Greek Life Was The Best Decision I Ever Made, Thought Catalog, 4 Nov. 2015,
thoughtcatalog.com/elissa-sanci/2014/04/why-joining-greek-life-was-the-best-decision-i-
ever-made/.
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Schlank, Colin. “A Fraternity Brother Speaks Out.” You Are Being Redirected...,
HazingPrevention, hazingprevention.org/home/hazing/stories/a-fraternity-brother-speaks-
out/.
“Study Explores the Relationship between Drinking and Fraternities.” Monitor on Psychology,
Suntrup, Jack. “Drinking, Hazing Targeted in Report by Mizzou Greek Life Panel.”
www.stltoday.com/news/local/education/drinking-hazing-targeted-in-report-by-mizzou-
greek-life-panel/article_9ee431a4-ac1d-59f0-b15b-b47925da1be0.html.