Advantages to joining a fraternity
Becoming a member of a Greek organization is much more than just a social outlet. There are countless other benefits to being Greek. Simply put, being Greek means you will get more out of your college experience. Check out these advantages...
ADVANTAGE #1 – FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD
As a member of the fraternity, you will have the opportunity to meet students of various backgrounds with both similar and different interests. Within each chapter, there is a close bond of friendship and brotherhood which only the fraternity atmosphere can foster. These relationships are deeper then going to parties, more meaningful than wearing the same letters. They are about growth and development of individuals as they begin their lives in college.
By choosing to become a member of a fraternity, you will meet brothers who grow to become your closest friends. Every member contributes to this aspect, as brotherhood combines the concept of individualism within the framework of mutual cooperation. From this unbreakable support system you can easily branch off into other areas of college life, knowing that your brothers will be behind you no matter what.
ADVANTAGE #2 – ACADEMICS
Academics and learning are the most important aspects of college life, and Greek students recognize that the purpose of attending school is to receive a quality education. Each Greek chapter has set their own standards, and a minimum GPA is required before joining and for continued membership.
To accomplish these academic standards, many different programs have been put in place. Upper-class members may assist new members in developing sound study habits through scholarship programs, individual help, incentive programs and study buddies. Additionally, numerous chapters on campus have study hours for their members.
Within each fraternity there are members involved in a wide variety of colleges and departments. This is quite an advantage in two ways: first, you will be able to seek help from others who may be taking or have already taken the same classes; second, there will be upperclassmen who can advise you on which classes and instructors are the best within each field of study.
The academic portion of your college life is no doubt, the greatest determinant of your future success. Employers look for students who have achieved academic success along with their extracurricular involvement. The Greek community has made important contributions in this respect to the lives of its members – benefits that you can take advantage of by joining a fraternity.
ADVANTAGE #3 – LEADERSHIP
Greek life provides an excellent place to gain the experience and knowledge necessary for successful leadership. Each Greek chapter is self-governing and relies on the special talents of its members for successful management. Serving as an officer on the Executive Board or committee develops leadership skills in the areas of self-responsibility, decision making, and communication. Members are often encouraged to become active in campus leadership roles, many of which may not be available to non-Greeks. All chapters support campus involvement among their members.
ADVANTAGE #4 – SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
While academics are the main reason for one to attend Southeast Missouri State University, you will achieve the best college experience possible through the proper balancing of academics and social activities. Joining a fraternity or sorority will offer you the most extensive social outlets possible on Southeast campus. Being Greek gives you the opportunity to meet new friends through participation in events like Homecoming, Date Nights, Formals, Theme Parties, Greek Week, and many other social activities. Fraternity men pride themselves on the ability to help their fellow brothers develop socially and learn to have fun in a safe environment.
ADVANTAGE #5 – COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Greek community at Southeast provides services to more than just members of fraternities. One of the many advantages of being a part of the Greek community is the time spent helping others in need.
The campus and surrounding community are constantly reaping the benefits of the Greek community. The commitment found in the members of fraternities can be seen in the enthusiasm they have in giving back to the community through philanthropies.
Philanthropies are projects and events organized by groups or individuals to benefit the surrounding community. They can involve members of one fraternity or members from all fraternities and sororities. Fraternities work closely with sororities to help local or national charitable organizations.
These community service activities provide us with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. These experiences are available more through Greeks than anywhere else on campus.
ADVANTAGE #6 – ATHLETICS
Each fraternity participates in numerous competitive sports though intramurals and Greek tournaments. It’s difficult to get a group of people on your own to play team intramural sports or to get a ball game together on a Sunday afternoon. Fraternities provide this opportunity along with the pride of sportsmanship, team spirit, and competition.
ADVANTAGE #7 – CAREER NETWORKING
One of the greatest benefits that comes with being a member of the Greek community are the relationships you make with alumni, providing many opportunities for career networking and mentoring, not only with your initial job search but also throughout your career. Homecoming, chapter anniversary dinners, conferences, conventions, and other events foster interaction with alumni that is not available anywhere else on campus. Alumni chapters located throughout the nation provide opportunities for continued involvement after graduation. Because their Greek experience was so meaningful, many alumni “give back” to their organization by volunteering their time on chapter advisory board, housing corporation, or as a regional or district officer.
Thanks go to the Epsilon Phi Chapter of Sigma Chi.