Fraternities, sororities provide social structure for shy students

Students do not join an organization like Habitat for Humanity or Best Buddies to buy their friends. They join to make a difference in someone's life, hold a leadership position, add to their resume and make life-long friendships. The same goes for students who join fraternities or sororities. To join, students pay a small membership fee, but the benefits significantly outweigh the costs that Greek members pay for their friends is one of the dangerous stereotypes that cause students to miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime. Just ask formerly anti-Greek junior Tim Scully.

"I used to be an anti-Greek because I never took the time to go to an informational meeting and bought into all the stereotypes that existed," he said.

Recruitment for rush week has just passed and Scully is very glad he participated.

"Rushing Pi Kappa Alpha was an amazing experience," he said. "You learn a lot about the history of the organization and your ability to grow as a student and person."

For new students at any university, making friends and fitting in can be a scary experience. Greek life makes this experience effortless.

Senior Chris Daniels can relate.

"Before I joined Phi Chi Epsilon, I was a quiet young man who didn't branch out much," Daniels said. "I was the freshman who stayed in his room playing video games during all my free time. My brother, Tim Daniels, talked me into joining with the line."

So, is Greek life really as expensive as most think? Daniels and Scully say no. As the former president of Phi Chi, Daniels knew where every cent went.

"The money we spend goes right back into our own pockets," he said. "We have retreats, exchanges with sororities, attend Bucks games, Brewers games and even concerts. I consider it to be the best investment I have ever made."

Dues for Phi Chi are only $150 a semester.

"This is the amount of money I could make in two full days of work," Daniels said. "It's well worth a semester of social events which would cost much more if I hadn't joined a fraternity. I consider the $150 a semester of events I'll remember for the rest of my life."

"Though paying to be a member can be a downfall, it is for any organization," Scully said. "But, why not pay a slight bit more and make the most of it. People are going to be your friends, not because you bought them." One of the reasons students decide not to join the Greek community is because they believe they can't afford it. However, fraternities and sororities don't turn students away who really want to join but don't have the money. They are willing to provide payments plans and other options to help make the experience affordable for anyone.

"All the fraternities and sororities on campus are affordable," Scully said. "Some are more than others depending on which one you join. But think about how much you spend on college and what it gets you for 4-5 years. For a lifelong experience, it costs mere pennies."

There are several, priceless advantages to joining a fraternity or sorority. First is the brother and sisterhood created. When other student organizations focus on a project or task, Greek life focuses strongly on building relationships.

A second benefit is improved academics. Greeks work hard to make sure each of their members excels in the classroom by offering tutors, study groups and opportunities for public speaking. In fact, according to ONU.edu.org, "Nationally speaking, just over 50 percent of students in colleges and universities go on to graduate. However, U.S. Department of Education data shows that members of fraternities and sororities graduate at a rate in excess of 70 percent."

Another advantage to Greek life is the community service. Most students need community service to graduate, so why not volunteer beside your friends? Greek life provides numerous opportunities, and Greek's pride in the awards they have received each year from good deeds to the community. Scully has always wanted to volunteer, and joining a fraternity gave him the motivation to do so.

"Now, because I am a Pi Kappa Alpha, I'm volunteering with America Reads and am looking to join Big Brothers, Big Sisters," he said.

Last but not least is the benefit of career networking. Greek membership does not end after graduation. Alumni come back to attend formals, events and to share what they have done and how they are successful today. Networking with former Greeks is a great way for students to get their foot in the door and see what they're up against in the future. Many successful people today are Greek Alumni.

"Eighty-five percent of the Fortune 500 executives, 83 percent of congressmen and senators, 80 percent of U.S. presidents since 1990 and 100 percent of Apollo 11 Astronauts were all Greek," Daniels said.