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Greek life: an ongoing debate |
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Thursday, 01 February 2007 |
Appalachian Greek life: how it works for me
As you can guess, possibly before you started reading this article, I am a member of a fraternity at Appalachian State University.
As of this spring, I have been a member of Theta Chi Fraternity for one and a half years, and have loved every minute of it.
 Active Image | | Ashley Holland | The Appalachian |
One of the biggest arguments between Greeks and non-Greeks is that Greeks are paying for their friends.
This will be a never-ending argument but, for me, it is absurd to actually believe it is true. The dues you pay go to the fun and enjoyable times you have with your brothers or sisters, like parties, formals and other events Greek life participates in.
This brings up another aspect of fraternities and sororities: drinking.
There is work that needs to be done. However, if Greek life was centered solely on alcohol, the organizations would not be on campus and everyone in them would not be enrolled at Appalachian.
Each fraternity and sorority has its own philanthropy project in order to raise money to donate.
For example, Theta Chi’s philanthropy is Lids for Kids. This organization gives hats to kids who are dealing with cancer.
Also, each Greek organization is accountable for its members. One way is through study hours. One’s grade point average determines how many hours each week you need to be in the library studying.
Our scholarship/librarian chair also meets with people who have severely low GPAs to look over their syllabi and know when they have tests, projects due and so on.
They will then remind them of these assignments as well as make sure the fraternity does not schedule any social events so that person can study.
The university has also started a new system called the “Standards of Excellence.”
This program aims to “refocus the culture of our collegiate Greek chapters away from “alcohol” and purely social centered focus,” according to the Greek life Web site.
The plan is to implement criteria to help improve the scholastic part of Greek life. Fraternities and sororities must reach a certain GPA, complete a community service project and participate in all-Greek programs.
These are just some of the steps taken to help diminish the stereotypes that have been common with sororities and fraternities.
Another thing that is special to me, and you do not notice it unless you are a part of Greek life, is brother/sisterhood.
It is a safe factor knowing there are 30 guys, who I consider brothers, which support me and will help me if I need it.
Another aspect you do not see is when you go to a national or regional event. There is something amazing about seeing a guy and knowing that he has gone through the same things you have been a part of.
Even after reading this article, you still may be opposed to the idea of Greek life at Appalachian. Or, you may be interested but do not know what to next step is.
Either way, Greek life is a big part of life on our campus.
Whether you like it or not, Greeks are good at Appalachian.
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