The letters, the colors and the stereotypes: there’s certainly a lot about Greek Life that isn’t always understood. Movies and television tend to depict the Greek community as obnoxious, party machines, often with odd rituals and hazing. Yet, Greeks continue to survive and thrive on campuses across the country. Clearly, there’s more to these organizations than meets the eye. So, what’s the purpose of joining a Greek organization on campus?
Bobby Borgmann, director of Campus Life and Student Engagement, said, “To connect students who have similar interest, regardless of background [or] where they come from. It’s a place that they can truly feel at home on a college campus.”
This idea is further expressed by the terminology used by Greeks across the county: they’re referred to as brotherhoods and sisterhoods.
According to Borgmann, Greek organizations are formed around values—usually related to service or academia—and are characteristically dedicated to giving back to the community. At NSU and campuses across the country, the Greek councils work to support programs and events for their universities. Each organization also has a philanthropy that it supports throughout the year with fundraisers. For this reason, students tend to gravitate toward Greek Life as a way to get involved in their college community.
Shannon Booker, assistant director of Campus Life and Student Engagement, said, “Greek Life plays a big part in retention and enrollment [at the university].”
Booker said that students will inquire about a certain organization if they have a family member or loved one who was also part of that organization. They may also look for a certain organization based on the values that they hold. Booker said many individuals don’t realize how big a part Greek Life can play in an organization because of the many misconceptions about members of Greek Life.
“[One of the biggest misconceptions is that] Greeks aren’t intelligent,” Borgmann said. “You see a lot of movies where Greeks are stereotyped as meatheads or party animals, when typically the average GPA for a chapter in an IFC may be higher than the all-campus average.”
Organizations will often have a GPA requirement in order to maintain membership.
“You’ll also find that Greeks are among the top leaders of the university,” Booker said.
Greek organizations focus on the professional development of their members. The President’s 64, Admissions Ambassadors, and SGA are just a few examples of leadership opportunities that Greek members of the NSU community have and are encouraged to hold.
Booker and Borgmann also said that financial responsibility to an organization is another misconception typically surrounding Greek Life. Although students do have a financial responsibility—paying dues—when joining a brother or sisterhood, the money goes directly to supporting the chapter and the needs of their members. Certain organizations also offer scholarships to members.
Many students may still be wary of jumping into Greek Life and that’s OK.
As Borgmann said, “Anyone can join an organization but it’s not for everyone.”
Students need to take the time to decide whether or not joining an organization would be right for them. Booker said one of the best ways to do this would be to interact with the organizations and take your time before making a decision.
College is the time to enter new experiences with an open mind. Even if Greek Life isn’t for you, interacting and engaging with the community can help enhance your NSU experience, whether you’re a freshman or a senior. Students will have a chance to meet Greek organizations on Aug. 24 at the Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet & Greet in the University Center.
For a list of NSU’s Greek organizations, visit nova.edu/greeks/index.html.
