When your student goes to college, they are excited about the array of organizations they can participate in. Their world is wide open to any number of opportunities – and one of those opportunities may be joining a fraternity or sorority and becoming a part of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
If you were not in a fraternity or sorority, you might wonder why your student would want to join one – and if you’re familiar with fraternity & sorority stereotypes, you might not be sure this would be the best choice. Here are some questions to help you learn more about Fraternity & Sorority Life.
1) What are the benefits of joining a fraternity or sorority? Fraternity & Sorority Life offers much to its members! Some examples are:
- Group Identity – Being a member of the Fraternity & Sorority community provides an identity and a feeling of belonging. Finding their place is important to first-year students and Greek life offers a feeling of home away from home.
- Strong Friendships –The organization offers a deeper level of friendship because members share the same values and honor the mission and goals of the national organization. The student also has a large base of friends in the chapter – friends who support and encourage them in their everyday life.
- Community Service Opportunities – The organizations are rooted in giving back to the community. Fraternities and sororities dedicate many hours helping others on a local and national level. Prevent Child Abuse America, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital are just a few of the many organizations supported by fraternity & sorority chapters.
- Leadership Opportunities – Fraternity & sorority men and women are leaders on college campuses – and fraternity & sorority life offers students many leadership opportunities within the chapter. From being on the council of a chapter to an appointed committee, members are afforded many opportunities to step up and take leadership roles, and to hone skills that will help them in their future careers. National organizations offer members opportunities to attend leadership training throughout the year.
- Networking Opportunities – Fraternity and sorority members are offered many opportunities to network with alumni of their local chapter and the national organization. Local alumni groups host presentations on resume building, provide connections to local companies and mentor chapter members. After graduation, the student can connect with the national organization to find local alumni groups in the areas they will be working and living.
2) Where should my student go to find out more information on Fraternity & Sorority life? Suggest your student visit the website of the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life. They can stop by the office, introduce themselves and talk to staff members who can answer almost any question about fraternity & sorority life. You can also encourage your student to attend informational sessions on campus and to meet members of the fraternity & sorority community – they’ll also be happy to answer questions.
View the Fraternity & Sorority Life handbook here.