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    Top 5 Reasons to Join a Fraternity or Sorority

    Greek Life

    Are you on the fence about joining in on Greek life? Maybe you aren't sure if it's for you, or you don't like what you've heard in the media about being in a fraternity or sorority. We're here to give you our top five reasons on why we think Greek life could be for you.

    1. Find A Home Away From Home

    Custom Tri Delta Shirts

    The Greek community not only includes your campus chapter, but it extends all across the country (and the world). Being part of a Greek organization can immediately find you a place on campus to call home.

    2. Get Involved in Philanthropy and Service

    Every fraternity and sorority has an organization that they're passionate about serving. Joining a chapter can introduce you to a new charity organization to donate your time and service to. 

    3. Find Your Lifelong Friends

    Sorority Shirts

    You'll hear a lot about how people found their lifelong best friends in their fraternity or sorority. That's not just a myth! Bonding with your chapter can create lasting friendships that you carry with you after your time in college.

    4. Get Help with Academics

    Academics are one of the most important and stressful parts of your college experience. Your fraternity or sorority chapter can quickly become your most valuable resource for academic help and guidance in your major. Whether it be for test prep advice, professors to take or avoid, or even organizational help, your chapter will have someone there to help.

    5. Networking After College

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    Joining a Greek organization allows you to have an expansive network of professionals after college. Not only will you have plenty of contacts, you will have rich experiences to add to your resume after graduation. 

    We're passionate about having a successful college experience, and we think Greek life can be a big part of that. Have we sold you? Check out our Fraternity and Sorority collections for all of your Greek apparel must-haves!

    What Greek Life Used to Look Like

    Here's What Greek Life Used to Look Like

    Written by Claire Sheets

    To a lot of parents and students not involved in Greek life, their terms and traditions seem foreign to us. And though Greeks and non-Greeks may have their differences, there is one thing we all have in common– old pictures of us back in the day with that awful hairstyle we all loved and that tacky clothing that was all the rage.

    With Christmas being right around the corner, I felt that we could all use some lighthearted fun. And since we are in the season of giving, I thought I could shed some light on the way the men and women of these chapters give back, even now! So let’s take this time to reminisce on the good old days. Start the popcorn, pull up a chair, (maybe cringe at what used to be the style), and let’s open up this time capsule!




    Image from Iota Upsilon-Georgia Southern University

    First on our list are the men of Pi Kappa Alpha, sporting some lovely coats at a 1993 Chartering Banquet. Look how classy they are in their white jackets! Don’t let those suits fool you, Pi Kappa Alpha takes their philanthropy and community service very seriously. In fact, Pi Kappa Alpha raised over $3.3 million for various local and national causes in 2016.

     

     



    Image from Tri Delta

    Next up, we have the women of Delta Delta Delta. Look at these lovely ladies, posing perfectly for the picture and showing off those Deltas! Something that many people may not know, is that Tri Delta raised over $15 million in just three and half years for their philanthropy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This was originally a pledge to raise $15 million in five years. St. Jude honored this achievement by naming an onsite housing for patients after the sorority. Today it is known as Tri Delta Place. Their current pledge, made in 2014, is to raise $60 million in ten years. It’s amazing to think that what was once a small sorority would eventually grow to be a powerhouse in Greek philanthropy and fundraising.





     

    Image from Sigma Chi Beta Sigma Chapter

    Check out these brothers in suits, the 1977 Sigma Chi pledge class of the Beta Sigma Chapter. Look at the fraternity brothers standing so proudly with one-another! Did you know that Sigma Chi has an annual day of service where they give back to their communities? The Merlin Olsen Day of Service was created to honor the philanthropic spirit of Merlin Olsen, a proud brother of Sigma.  Good on you, boys.

     

     





    Image from Phi Mu at University of North Georgia

    The lovely women of Phi Mu are next on the runway. This photo was taken of the University of Northern Georgia Phi Mu sisters in 1976. Lot’s of crop tops, flared pants and empowered women. Seems like some things never change! Phi Mu's national philanthropy is Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). In fact, Phi Mu is the only sorority that is a corporate sponsor of CNMH. Since 1986, the sisters of Phi Mu have raised over $8.5 million for this amazing cause and have contributed to improving the quality of life for children around the world.

     

     

     



    Image from Sigma Alpha Epsilon South Dakota State University

    Our second to last fraternity feature is the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) at their 2005 banquet at South Dakota State University. Since SAE does not have a national philanthropy, the different chapters are able to raise funds for their chapter-specific philanthropies. This allows the fraternities to give back to their individual communities and help make the world a better place.

    Fun Fact: the CEO of Campus Classics, Byron Wilson, is an SAE!

     





    Image from Fraternity History & More

    And last, but certainly not least, are the women of Pi Beta Phi of ‘93 and ‘94. These lovely ladies are rocking the classic sewn-on letters tee shirts at Oklahoma State University. Not only do these sorority sisters hold fun philanthropy events, but they also spread the awareness and the importance of literacy! You go girls.

     

    Even though these styles were from the past, trends have carried over into today and have become a Greek life favorite!  As a matter of fact, we offer a lot of these classic and current trends. Whether it’s sewn-on letters, vintage striped tees, or those fraternity ties that never seem to go out of style, we’ve got them. Check out our Greek styles here.

    I hope this flash in the past has given your day just a little bit of joy and hopefully encouraged you to give a little bit this holiday season.

     

    Greek Life: 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

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    Q1: What will a student get out of joining a Greek organization that they won't get from other groups?

    A1: Greek organizations are a great way for students to make an easier transition into college from home, parents and high school friends. For most students, Greek life becomes a home away from home. It becomes a place where close, lifelong friendships are created. Most of these groups emphasize leadership, scholarship, service, and fellowship among other important values.

     

    Q2: What are the long-term benefits of Greek life?

    A2: Each Greek organization has its own national membership network that can help with job hunting after graduation. Career advice and job information are available from other members in these Greek networks. A member of a Greek organization will be welcomed by that group on any university campus, and can typically join an alumni group for their organization in any city that they move to. Greek life is not just during college, but for life!

     

    Q3: Is Greek life just like they show in the movies and on TV?

    A3: That depends! While Greek life does offer enjoyment of life on campus; representation of Greek life in movies and TV is often exaggerated (Think Animal House or House Bunny). Greek life is about academic and social balance along with service and professional networking. Greek students work hard and enjoy their time together, and they know when the right time to do either is. See below for more information about Greek life and hazing tolerance.

     

    Q4: How will Greek life affect a student's grades?

    A4: Greek life emphasizes academics, and an organization’s members will support each other in their academic work. Chapters will often have study sessions, or offer incentives for reaching a certain GPA or doing well on an exam. The best part of being in any diverse organization is that there will likely be someone to help with any academic subject. It's often possible in an organization to find other members who have taken the same course from the same professor. Academic success reflects well on a Greek organization, so its members feel responsible for their own academics.

     

    Q5: How much time will a student have to put into a Greek chapter?

    A5: Like most things in life, one will get out whatever they put into their Greek organization. The first year in a Greek chapter will take a little more time to learn about its history, organization and membership. Participating in activities to get to know the other members is a good way to enjoy the benefits of Greek life as well as meet new people. After the first year, students have usually figured out how much time they can put into the group without sacrificing their other commitments. During the remaining years on campus, a student can choose to participate more in their organization. This often means taking on leadership roles in their chapter.

     

    Q6: How expensive is it to join a Greek chapter?

    A6: The expenses of a Greek organization will vary from group to group. Overall, the chapter dues will be set by the national organizations and paid by each member. When considering expenses of a Greek organization, it’s important to look at the expenses of housing and meal plans on a college campus, and compare to what is being offered by the chapter. Often the housing and meal plans in a Greek organization are less expensive than the on-campus options at a university. Membership dues can cover expenses like participating in chapter activities, apparel, or initiation of new members. It’s always okay to ask the group about financial payment plans, as these are often utilized by members.

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    Q7: Do Greek groups still practice hazing?

    A7: Even though it is often depicted in movies or TV; no organized fraternity, sorority, or university will condone hazing. Most groups and universities have a zero tolerance policy on hazing, and will quickly investigate any claim of hazing on campus. Greek groups know how dangerous hazing is, and have rejected that in any part of their pledging or initiation process. Each organization and university will have online resources regarding their individual policies on dealing with hazing in Greek life.

     

    Q8: Can a student join any Greek group they want?

    A8: Most Greek organizations hold a formal recruitment week, which is a time for students to visit different groups on campus to see what each has to offer. This recruitment process is managed for sororities by the National Panhellenic Council, and the Interfraternity Council for fraternities. Each university that offers Greek life will have a dedicated group on campus representing these national organizations. During a formal recruitment week, students are invited to join chapters through narrowing rounds of social events. Not all who are invited to chapters during recruitment will become members, though. Each Greek organization wants to make sure that a student is a good fit for their group as much as the student wants to find the right group to join. Membership begins during college but can last a lifetime. Greek life is about creating relationships and memories that last beyond college.

     

    Q9: Can one participate in other activities on campus when they join a Greek group?

    A9: Yes! Chapters encourage their members to participate in other campus programs, sports, and clubs. Students often find out about other activities on campus through their Greek peers. It’s also a good way to reach other potential members and show involvement and pride in the college. The great part about being Greek is often having people to join new clubs or intramural sports with.

     

    Q10: What are the differences between the various Greek groups on campus?

    A10: Each college campus has its own Greek life which can be sampled during formal recruitment or even during a semester on campus. Talking with other members in each Greek chapter can offer insights into their group and its unique culture. Some chapters may have evolved over time to represent a particular student interest, culture or academic focus. Some groups may have been created around a particular purpose or study. Greek organizations will hold their own set of values and beliefs at the center of their membership, which can be further learned about during formal recruitment. A group’s values can often be a decision point for students looking to join a Greek organization. It’s also important to note that there are other non-social Greek groups that focus on academic honors, areas of study, or philanthropy for students to join.

    Greek Life Terminology

    Active: A member who has been initiated into a Greek organization’s membership and participates in chapter activities. Usually refers to a current collegian/collegiate. 


    Alumna: An initiated member of a sorority who has graduated. (Plural is alumnae).

    Alumnus: An initiated member of a fraternity who has graduated.

    Badge: The pin given to an initiated member of a Greek organization and worn with pride and at appropriate occasions.

    Bid: An invitation to a potential member to join an IFC fraternity or a Panhellenic sorority. A bid is given out during formal recruitment (Rush).

    Chapter: The local group of a larger, national Greek organization. greek glossary

    Colony: A new organization on the campus that is awaiting formal approval by the national fraternity or sorority.

    Depledge: The process through which a new member chooses, or is asked, to relinquish membership in the organization. Also called “drop.”

    Dues: The cost, often paid monthly or by semester, of being a member of a fraternity or sorority. Dues cover the costs of membership, operations, formal events, and other activities.

    Exchange: A social activity including at least two Greek organizations. (Typically an event between one fraternity and one sorority).

    Fraternity: An organization formed by people with mutual interests. This term applies to all Greek organizations, which are typically associated by friendship, moral principles, a ritual, and badge. In colloquial use, fraternity refers to a group of men, although many co-ed organizations and sororities are formally considered fraternities.

    Greek: Any member of a Greek-letter organization.

    Greek Week: A week of organized activities that includes all Greek chapters on campus.

    Handshake: A unique handshake or hand sign used to identify other members of the same organization. Only initiated members know the handshake, which has deep meaning to the organization.

    House Manager: An individual elected or hired to oversee and supervise the house.

    Initiation: A ritual ceremony through which new members are formally introduced to full membership in the organization. Ceremony details and activities vary by organization, and are usually confidential.

    Interfraternity Council (IFC): Governing body of the fraternity system that may provide governing, leadership and programming for the chapters.

    I Week: Final week of the recruitment (“rush”) process, in which new members are initiated into full membership in the Greek organization. Stands for Initiation Week, and also known as “hell week” at some institutions.

    Legacy: A potential member who is the brother, sister, son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter of an active member or alumni of a Greek organization. Each fraternity or sorority has its own policies regarding legacies.

    Neophyte: New member of the Greek organization.

    NIC: North-American Interfraternity Conference. A national coordinating body of men’s fraternities.

    NPC: National Panhellenic Conference. The national body that oversees the 26 national women’s sororities.

    Pinning: Occurs when a fraternity member gives his pin (or a sweetheart pin) to his girlfriend. This is often recognized as a precursor to engagement.

    Pledge: An individual who has received and accepted a bid, but has not yet completed initiation.

    Pledge Mom/Dad: Nickname for a mentor assigned to a new member. The names for these relationships vary by organization. Sometimes known as big sister/brother or simply “big.”

    Pledge Daughter/Son: Nickname for the new member that is mentored by a particular pledge mom or dad. Sometimes known as a little sister/brother or simply “little.”

    Potential New Member (Rush Candidate): A student interested in joining a Greek organization who is taking part in the formal recruitment process.

    Preference: The final round of fraternity or sorority events during formal recruitment.

    Quota: The number of new members to whom a sorority may extend bids.

    Recruitment: The process by which new members are chosen. Also known as “rush.”

    Rush Counselor: A collegiate IFC or Panhellenic representative who is not affiliated with her own chapter during the recruitment process. This individual is responsible for impartially guiding potential new members through the recruitment process.

    Greek : A Greek organization for women. Although many of these groups are formally fraternities, they often call themselves sororities.

    College Packing Essentials

    Going back to school is both stressful and exciting. Students are preparing for another semester of challenging classes and fun times with friends. Parents are preparing to say good-bye to their children for several months, and are naturally concerned that their student will have everything they need to succeed while away from home, both academically and in everyday necessities. Here are some things to remember while getting ready to head back to school. 

    Clothing

    Every student is going to need a variety of clothing. They should definitely bring comfortable clothes, back to school packing tipssuch as jeans, t shirts, hoodies, and sweats for studying and lounging around the dorms on a Sunday afternoon. If the student participates in Greek life, this is a great way to incorporate some fraternity letters into the wardrobe. Hats are also important for those who may like to play sports or just like the style. There should also be at least one or two nicer outfits with ties so the students are prepared should they need to attend a formal event for the school, fraternity, or job interview. 

    Academics

    Most students buy their textbooks after classes have begun, but there are a few items they should bring from home. Most campus bookstores mark up prices on notebooks, binders, pens, and other necessities, so it may be better to bring enough from home. A sturdy bag or backpack to carry your books to and from class is also helpful. Most schools also expect students to bring laptops, and some students will prefer to have their own printers rather than worry about going to and from a student computer center.

    Decorations

    Many students want to hang at least a few items on their walls to help make their rooms or apartments feel more like home. Fraternity flags, pictures, and posters are easy to use accessories that will do the job well.

    Miscellaneous Items

    Students will also need towels for showering. If they are marked with the appropriate Greek letters, they may be easier to tell apart from those of other roommates. Of course, make sure to pack all the necessities for laundry, including a hamper, soap, dryer sheets, and a bag to bring clothes back and forth to the laundry room. If they are coffee drinkers, they should bring along mugs (another great place to show their Greek life loyalty) and a small coffee maker. Many students also like bringing afghans and other items for staying comfortable those long nights before finals.

    It can be difficult to remember everything that is needed when getting ready for a semester away from home. Making a list of the necessary items can go a long way in reducing stress and helping to get ready for this semesters adventure.