Q: What is a Greek Organization?
A: A Greek organization is a group of individuals of similar interests bonded together by common goals and aspirations. These bonds are created through rituals in which all members participate. Rituals are based on common principles such as honor, friendship, scholarship, community, truth and knowledge, to name a few. Each group also referred to as fraternities for men and sororities for women works to instill these ideals in their members through their everyday activities.
It is referred to as a Greek organization because the name consists of Greek letters. Fraternity is a name applied to all Greek organizations, but specifically men's groups, while Sorority is the name applied only to women's Greek organizations. On the WCU campus, approximately 10% of all students are members of a Greek organization.
Q: What is the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life?
A: "Going Greek" is a big step, not only for students, but for their parents as well. The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life is here to answer your questions and provide support.
The Fraternity & Sorority Life Office serves as the central coordination point for all programmatic and administrative fraternity and sorority functions on campus. Our office also serves as the hub of information for students, parents, and other stakeholders as it pertains to Fraternity & Sorority Life.
Q: Why should my student Go Greek?
A: Membership in a Greek organization is a life-changing experience for the men and women who choose to join. Chapter members develop a unique bond of brotherhood and sisterhood while sharing their values and goals. These friendships last beyond the collegiate years and are nurtured by alumni/alumnae activities and networking programs that provide opportunities for continued camaraderie, service, and personal development.
A recent study completed at the University of Missouri showed that membership in Greek letter organizations increased the likelihood that students would return to college their second year and remain through graduation. Choosing to become part of a Greek letter organization will allow your son or daughter to meet new people and develop a support network in their new environment away from home.
Q: What and when is Intake?
A: Intake is the process of membership selection used by groups belonging to the National Pan-Hellenic Council. While the process is different for each organization, all groups do require that selected members have a required 2.5 GPA and 12 credit hours requirements stated by the Greek Life Office.
Q: What is Recruitment?
A: Recruitment is the official process to get into a fraternity or sorority affiliated with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC, or locally, the CPC) or the North-American Interfraternity Council (NIC, or locally, the IFC). During the fall there is an Informal Recruitment process or both fraternities and sororities whereas in the spring only sororities have a Formal Recruitment process.
Q: How long does being a New Member take and what are the requirements?
A: It depends on the organization but most organizations do not last longer than 8 weeks, typically the NPHC groups initiate after a shorter New Member period. Most groups will require some mandatory study halls and New Member meetings. All groups also have a one-time new Initiate fee. For more information, ask one of the members while visiting during the Recruitment or Intake processes.
Q:What is an Interest Meeting?
A: NPHC groups sometimes hold Interest Meetings in which they discuss their national and chapter’s history, philanthropy, and requirements to become a member. For more information on when each group will be holding Interest meetings, contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Q: What are the responsibilities for membership in a Greek organization?
A: Commitment to the principles, values and standards, for which the national organization was founded upon. Participation in chapter activities such as meetings, educational/leadership programs, community service events, and social activities is very important. All of our Greek organizations have a minimum grade requirement in order to be in good standing as a member. Those grade requirements vary by organization but all are above a 2.5.
Q: What is the financial obligation to join a Greek organization?
A: Dues vary widely from chapter to chapter and are typically higher the first semester of joining. As you get to know Greek members on campus, be sure to ask them specific questions related to the financial obligation for their individual organization.
Q: What is the time commitment involved with membership in a Greek organization?
A: Greek membership requires a substantial time commitment from every member. However, the more time a member spends with the members in their organization and at chapter activities the more benefits a student will receive from their membership. Just like any other activity, the amount of time and energy you put into your Greek membership, the more you will get out of the experience. Through Greek involvement, students will learn how to balance their academics, work, campus involvement, and social commitments.
Q: Will joining a Greek organization affect my academics?
A: Academics are the first and foremost priority of WCU students. Each chapter provides scholastic assistance designed to help each individual member achieve his or her academic potential. Often students may find it difficult to transition from a highly structured high school academic environment to the freedoms of college. Greek organizations assist in the transition by offering scholarship programs, tutoring, and educational programs about time management. In addition, the all-Greek grade point average is consistently higher than the undergraduate all men's and women's average.
Q: What are the costs of joining a Greek chapter?
A: Each Greek organization is self-supported through dues charged to all members. In the first year of membership a few one-time expenses are assessed for membership and initiation. After those initial payments are made, a student's only expense is the regular dues. Most of WCU's Greek chapters also offer housing. Greek housing is competitive with other housing options on WCU's campus, such as residence halls or apartments. Scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans are usually available from individual chapters.
Q: Are Greek chapters like those shown on MTV's Fraternity/Sorority Life?
A: No. The Hollywood portrayal of Greek Life is unrealistic and negative. In reality, fraternities/sororities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.