Greek Life
Greek Letter Fraternities are extracurricular organizations chartered by the College. The College encourages fraternities to contribute to the fulfillment of its mission by promoting academic excellence, exercising collegial spirit, celebrating pluralism, recognizing the interdependence of campus organizations, and respecting the dignity of the entire College community. The College does not recognize fraternities as secret societies because secrecy is incompatible with the College's mission to maintain an open exchange of ideas and information.
To be classified as a fraternity and operate on campus, organizations
must be nationally affiliated and adhere to various rules and regulations
established by the College. Compliance with College policies, procedures
and regulations always supersedes any oaths of secrecy fraternity members
may take. The College recognizes the following Greek Letter organizations:
COORDINATION OF GREEK LIFE ON CAMPUS
Greek letter fraternities are governed by the Office
of Greek Life. The Office is charged with such activities as policy
making, policy enforcement, training, conduct monitoring, and coordinating
College activities and policies with the local, state, regional/district,
and national representatives of each fraternity. In addition, the National
Pan-Hellenic Council will be the umbrella organization for the five
(5) historically African American fraternities. The Office of Greek
Life in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities, will conduct
a mandatory in-service training seminar at the beginning of each school
year for fraternity members, Chapter Advisors, and organizational representatives.
The Office of Greek Life will also conduct a Greek Rush Seminar for
students interested in Membership-Intake at the beginning of each semester.
Fraternities and sororities are there basically to enhance and support the college experience. They do everything from charitable events to intramural sports to study groups to social events. Greeks encourage all of their members to get involved on campus. They are also a good way for people to make friends.
The fraternity experience can help personalize your college experience by offering scholastic support system; hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets, interacting with faculty and administrators; exposure to potential careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; the opportunity to give back to the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer you on through successes and provide support during tough times.
Scholarship
This is one of the most important aspects of college
life. Academics are emphasized by all fraternity and chapters from
Intake through graduation. Each fraternity provides some form of scholastic
assistance, such as, study areas, tutoring awards, study sessions and
incentives such as scholarships, to challenge members to reach their
full academic potential. Fraternity and members usually maintain a
higher grade point average than non-members. While fraternities do
not hold any magical keys to scholastic success, studies have shown
that members of Greek organizations are more likely to obtain a degree
than non-affiliated students.
Leadership
Fraternities exemplify democracy in action. They are
families, communities, and may have legal corporations for alumni who
support these activities. New members live and learn to work within
these communities. Officers within each chapter are elected to manage
the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted
by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors.
In addition, many national organizations have regional and national
leadership conferences where students can learn a variety of leadership
skills. Fraternities provide a solid foundation in leadership training
that prepares them for the demands and responsibilities needed for
the future.
Community Service
Community service is an important aspect of fraternity
life. Each Greek organization was founded upon community service and
offers unique opportunities for members to serve their community. From
volunteering in elementary schools to giving blood to raising money
for charities such as the American Heart Association and the Ronald
McDonald House, fraternities are lending a helping hand.
Social
For many students, the Greek social life helps to make
college a more fulfilling experience. Greek organizations provide a
calendar of social activities including formals, homecoming, mixers,
step shows, and other special events. Fraternities can offer more of
a family atmosphere and go beyond ordinary friendships… often
lasting a lifetime.
Alumni Involvement
The role of the alumni as advisors or national Greek
officers and consultants is substantial. Lifetime friendships expand
beyond individual chapters to include all members of the national and
international Greek Life community. Alumni organizations help students
network for potential employment opportunities after graduation, and
keep in touch through newsletters, correspondence meeting, and special
alumni events.
A WORD ABOUT HAZING:
Physical and mental hazing is banned by the College, the national Greek organizations (which have closed chapters for this practice), and by laws of the State of Georgia. Fortunately, most student members of Greek groups recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations and have eliminated it. All acts of hazing by any group, member, or alumni are specifically forbidden and will not be tolerated by the College.
Fraternities and sororities are there basically to enhance and support the college experience. They do everything from charitable events to intramural sports to study groups to social events. Greeks encourage all of their members to get involved on campus. They are also a good way for people to make friends.
The fraternity experience can help personalize your college experience by offering scholastic support system; hands-on experience in leading committees, managing budgets, interacting with faculty and administrators; exposure to potential careers through educational programs and discussions with alumni; the opportunity to give back to the community through service projects; and close friends who will cheer you on through successes and provide support during tough times.
Scholarship
This is one of the most important aspects of college
life. Academics are emphasized by all fraternity and chapters from
Intake through graduation. Each fraternity provides some form of scholastic
assistance, such as, study areas, tutoring awards, study sessions and
incentives such as scholarships, to challenge members to reach their
full academic potential. Fraternity and members usually maintain a
higher grade point average than non-members. While fraternities do
not hold any magical keys to scholastic success, studies have shown
that members of Greek organizations are more likely to obtain a degree
than non-affiliated students.
Leadership
Fraternities exemplify democracy in action. They are
families, communities, and may have legal corporations for alumni who
support these activities. New members live and learn to work within
these communities. Officers within each chapter are elected to manage
the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted
by members serving on committees and by alumni who act as advisors.
In addition, many national organizations have regional and national
leadership conferences where students can learn a variety of leadership
skills. Fraternities provide a solid foundation in leadership training
that prepares them for the demands and responsibilities needed for
the future.
Community Service
Community service is an important aspect of fraternity
life. Each Greek organization was founded upon community service and
offers unique opportunities for members to serve their community. From
volunteering in elementary schools to giving blood to raising money
for charities such as the American Heart Association and the Ronald
McDonald House, fraternities are lending a helping hand.
Social
For many students, the Greek social life helps to make
college a more fulfilling experience. Greek organizations provide a
calendar of social activities including formals, homecoming, mixers,
step shows, and other special events. Fraternities can offer more of
a family atmosphere and go beyond ordinary friendships… often
lasting a lifetime.
Alumni Involvement
The role of the alumni as advisors or national Greek
officers and consultants is substantial. Lifetime friendships expand
beyond individual chapters to include all members of the national and
international Greek Life community. Alumni organizations help students
network for potential employment opportunities after graduation, and
keep in touch through newsletters, correspondence meeting, and special
alumni events.
A WORD ABOUT HAZING:
Physical and mental hazing is banned by the College, the national Greek organizations (which have closed chapters for this practice), and by laws of the State of Georgia. Fortunately, most student members of Greek groups recognize that hazing has no place in their organizations and have eliminated it. All acts of hazing by any group, member, or alumni are specifically forbidden and will not be tolerated by the College.
