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My positive feelings about fraternities and sororities derive from my own good experience in college as a fraternity member and from lifelong friendships formed in that fraternity. Now, after nearly thirteen years as a college president, I realized that I had neither identified the ideals of the Greek organizations nor analyzed my present support of the Greek system.
So I wrote to the national headquarters of several fraternities and sororities and asked them, "What is the purpose and role of your sorority or fraternity?"
The answers I received from them were thorough, thoughtful, and articulate. From their replies I compiled eight common reasons for fraternities and sororities, and I obtained permission to quote them without reference to a particular sorority or fraternity.
One purpose listed by the national organizations is that of sharing relations. By providing an "extended family relationship, membership makes the adjustment to college easier and quicker. A big sister is a special friend who helps in this early adjustment and is a special person to whom a new student can turn." . . . "The Greek institutions provide a sense of belonging and identity for each individual member." . . . "Each fraternity and sorority provides close personal friendships, which endure over a lifetime." . . . "Fraternity is living and working and enjoying life with one's friends. The four year experience will be invaluable to the individual in his dealings with people the rest of his life. One learns to be a individual and at the same time relegate his doings to those of society."
A second purpose of fraternities and sororities is increased loyalty to Alma Mater. "The loyalty developed in Greek institutions allows both alumni and undergraduates to work together to renew relationships to the organization and the college." . . . "Statistics show that fraternity members are the largest contributors and supporters of their Alma Mater. " . . . "For the college, fraternities play a significant role in maintaining a sense of identity and friendship for members which translates into loyalty to the institution when they become alumni."
A third purpose of fraternities and sororities is to provide social activities. "The college fraternity often provides a core social activity on campus, provides the driving spirit behind many extra-curricular activities, and gives the institution a sense of spirit." . . . "The benefits of the Greek system include sponsoring events for the entire campus."
A fourth purpose is service projects for the betterment of mankind. "The sorority teaches the importance of service to the community and the college. Greeks support numerous and varied philanthropic endeavors, serve as scout leaders, as volunteers in hospitals, nursing homes; sponsor clean-up-paint-ups for parks, homes, and often adopt a family." . . . "Virtually all national fraternities and sororities support national philanthropic projects. These include cancer research and the National Humanities Center," . . . "research grants for a cure for arthritis, and many others."
A fifth purpose, and one cited by all organizations as one of its most important purposes, is to develop intellectual vitality. "Self-discipline and supervised study are cornerstones of Greek organizations and develop a solid reputation for acceptance on campus. The atmosphere of chapters fosters intellectual ideas." . . . "Fraternities and sororities promote high academic standards and achievement by providing programs in time budgeting, how to study, take an exam, etc." . . . "Sororities are firmly grounded in the precept that, above all else, commitment to academic work is the essence of the student's role at her selected college. This precept is placed into action through active scholarship programs, ranging from study hours to tutorials, from special help to orientation sessions. Sorority chapters further augment the efforts of the college itself by carefully orientation new pledges and members to resources available through the college, such as the counseling service or college tutorial center. Additional support materials and awards incentive programs are often provided from the national level as well."
A sixth purpose for fraternities and sororities is to provide outlets for inter-college associations and friendships. "Greek membership allows undergraduates to share ideas with students on other campuses. Each fraternity and sorority is leadership conferences, both on regional and national level, to build undergraduate programming and professional guidance for leaders in each chapter." . . . "Fraternity membership provides a support system not only during college by beyond through Collegiate Chapters, alumnae chapters, national publications and networking programs".
A seventh purpose is to provide guidance for moral and ethical growth. "Members learn to take responsibility for conduct and behavior of members and to handle problems which may arise through proper and fair procedures, always providing due process." . . . "The fraternity joins with the College in setting reasonable standards for comfort, safety, and acceptable behavior." . . . "Anti-social behavior, lack of social discipline and gross social activity under the pretense of boosting college spirit must not be tolerated. Fraternity members should be committed to helping each other become more humane, competent, responsive, mature and committed to the development of awareness and understanding of the individual and the environments in which he lives." . . . "Each group has its individual ritual, but all of these rituals have the common thread of high ideals and honor. Sororities systematically challenge members to implement those ideals in everyday life."
The eighth purpose stated for fraternities and sororities is to provide opportunities for leadership. "The students involved in a college fraternity enjoy a sense of shared responsibility, self-governance, and financial self-sufficiency." . . . "Members learn leadership and followership." . . . "Chapter management and organization provide a climate for development of leadership skills and related areas of personal growth. Systematic officer training workshops provide know-how and personal skills. Goal-setting sessions at chapter meetings spill over to personal goal-setting even years after college. Leadership positions in undergraduate chapters increase personal self-confidence and readiness to enter the job market."
Rhodes College has traditional supported the ideals and purposes of its fraternities and sororities. Former president Charles E. Diehl wrote in 1925, "We recognize that man is a gregarious animal and that it is natural that young men and young women should surround themselves with congenial associates. We believe that properly conducted fraternities and sororities are on the whole beneficial to the student."
Today Rhodes continues its support of fraternities and sororities, and of the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils.
The Greek system ideals were summed up in a letter sent to me by an executive director of one of the national fraternities...
"In a good fraternity, the individual learns to cooperate. He struggles, he fights, he debates, he is constantly frustrated by attitudes he perceives in others. He compromises, he shares, he loves, he is constantly awed by the generosity he perceives in others.
"In a good fraternity, one can learn how other people's minds work. This experience gives a man the skills, wisdom, and perception to deal with life, things that are likely to be great assets in dealing with the awesome challenges ahead."
Let us work to fulfill the high ideals of our fraternities and sororities.
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