1. What will I get from joining a fraternity or sorority that I would not get from any other organization?
Lots; leadership skills, academic success, educational programming, enduring friendship and alumni contacts, career networking, developing a sense of civic responsibility, and of course, fun!
2. How will joining benefit me after college?
Membership in a Greek organization is a great way to develop life-long skills including working with a variety of personality types, living and managing a house with others, mediating conflict, and effectively communicating in interviews and other career situations. Membership in a sorority or fraternity is a lifelong process that assists its members with re-location needs, networking through alumni chapter involvement and volunteer opportunities with collegiate chapters around the country.
3. What are the costs and housing obligations involved with membership?
Like any national organization, fraternities and sororities have costs of membership. There are semester dues and fees accompanied with membership as well as new member fees that are associated with the first semester of membership. Specific costs can be outlined and more information can be gained from talking with the Financial Vice President of specific organizations.
Some sororities and fraternities have chapter houses on campus and have live-in requirements (usually one or two years starting junior year). If students live in the house, there are room and board fees comparable to campus housing. These costs vary from each chapter but are comparable to non-Greek housing on campus. Again, it is encouraged to inquire about these costs with specific organizations.
4. How will my grades be impacted by sorority/fraternity membership?
Academics are very important to fraternities and sororities that is why first year students must become academically eligible in their first semester to participate in recruitment second semester. Every chapter has an academic officer that coordinates chapter programs like study hours to promote chapter academic success. Wittenberg's All-Greek GPA has exceeded the All-Campus GPA for the last eighteen years.
5. Are hazing and/or alcohol prevalent in fraternities and sororities?
Sororities and fraternities have established policy prohibiting hazing and alcohol abuse.. While alcohol use is present, fraternities and sororities attend seminars on responsible alcohol use and implements processes for alcohol to be used responsibly when permitted. Wittenberg University and every national fraternity or sorority have strict anti-hazing policies, if you suspect you or someone you know has been hazed or harassed, you should report it by calling 937-327-7820. Additional resources and reporting options can be found online here.
6. What is the time commitment involved with membership?
The amount of time involved varies by chapter and can change throughout your time as a member. The first semester of membership can seem very intensive as new members use this time to go through the chapter's new member education period. Throughout your time as an active member, your time commitment can shift as you decide whether or not to take on a leadership role in the chapter, serve on committees, or become involved with the Wittenberg Panhellenic Council. Each chapter has weekly meeting and other mandatory events which are planned in advance. Chapters are very understanding and celebrate member's involvement in outside activities like sports, work, clubs, and academic obligations.
7. Will I feel like an outsider if I don't join?
No! While a large percentage of students are involved with Greek life, a majority of students are not. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved without being a member of a Greek-letter organizations and fraternity/sorority members are often a part of other organizations as well.
8. I'm an athlete, can I go Greek too?
Yes! Over 30% of the fraternity and sorority community is made up of athletes. It is best to identify whether Greek membership is something you individually can handle on top of your sports commitment and academic obligations. If going through recruitment in the spring would conflict with your season, there are usually opportunities to go through recruitment in the fall as well.
9. Who is actually in charge in each sorority/fraternity?
Fraternities and sororities are mainly self-governing organizations. Students elect their own officers to leadership positions and are able to make decisions for the success of the organization. The houses of each organization are owned by "House Corporation Boards" that manages funds, collects rent, pays bill, and maintains the property. Each group is governed by national organizations which establishes chapter regulations and offers advice and direction through professional staff. Additionally, the university employs a masters-level professional full-time to support fraternities and sororities.
10. How do I become a member?
During the spring semester, the governing fraternity/sorority councils sponsor "Formal Recruitment." Formal Recruitment is a series of formal events that provide interested students with the opportunity to learn more about each chapter and meet members. It should be noted that participation and registration of recruitment is not an offer nor a guarantee of membership. Membership selection is at the sole discretion of chapters and their members. With that, Informal recruitment is held in the fall for sophomore students and up.