Tom, I can see where my words could be taken personally, and I in no way mean to offend, but the average college student is under pressures today to make exemplary grades for graduate programs which are the anticipated next step following undergrad and/or to get out, get a job and move on. I don't see where the vast majority can do this and seriously undertake founding a new student organization that is based on selective membership without university support and some alumni input. Greeks learn great skills, there is no denying this. But the vast majority of adcomms and employers don't give a flip that you were philanthropy chair or planned meals for the chapter house, no matter how well you word it. Employers are going to want to see practical experience via internships. You can do both. But the practical application of textbook theory is going to count for more.

And if a campus administration is adamant about not allowing Greek Life on campus, why rally against the administration on principle when that same energy could be more effectively channeled in to school and approved activities? I just don't see the point in being a martyr to a cause that has a 4-year shelf life. Let's face it, the vast majority do not maintain high levels of involvement post-grad. Some do, but most don't. So unless you have some help and support getting started, I just don't see the point.

No, it is a fne point that You present!

But, without Students and Alum Support then there will be no school.

Am I correct or not?

Colleges depend on these two factors. ??:)

Why should we encourage people to rally against the administration? Because in this case, their rights for free association and free speech are being violated. If we don't defend our rights, they can be permanently taken away.

Some may think that is a gross overstatement--the reality is though we need to protect the student's rights to affiliate with Greek organizations in order to ensure the survival of the entire Greek system and avoid becoming obsolete.

Let this be the lesson...
Ask questions and think twice when you apply to a private school. Are you willing to sacrafice some of the freedoms you will have at a public one?

ok, i appreciate everyone's responses, however, very few seem to actually be answering my question. Yes, my school sucks when it comes to greek life, but I'm not going to transfer schools just because of that. I've accepted their stand on the subject but now I'm just looking for advice about going off campus with a city charter or something life that. So if anyone has any advice about that, that would be a lot more help then complaining about the problem. Thanks.

I don't know if you're near any of the cities these non-collegiate sororities are located in, but maybe this could be an option.

http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/sh...ght=collegiate

Being in a fraternity has helped me immensely, career wise. I really don't know of a better way to gain connections and internships. I pretty much easily have the next ten years planned out and I am still a year away from graduating.

Good for you, McCallan. Me, too. Joining a GLO has been a great choice for a lot of us. But were you a founding member of a local fraternity with an administration who disapproved of your organization and took measures to prevent your organization from chartering and assembling?

mckid, if you are 21 or over, look into joining the Junior League. It's an international network of women with chapters in most cities. The JL works to help build better communities through philanthropy and service, as well as being very social with a lot of mixers and social outings, including galas. You will meet a lot of women, gain personal and professional connections, and through the social aspect, meet some pretty good guys-- I know many JL'ers who have met their husbands this way! JL members' first year is called their "provisional year"-- you spend your entire first year learning the ropes and participating in projects with other new members while mixing with actives and enjoying most of the membership privileges of full members.

Also, check out this thread These are non-collegiate GLO's that you may be eligible to join.

Lastly, go to your campus' office of student life. There are bound to be clubs and organizations on campus that appeal to you and are a good avenue to make friends, get involved with the school and give back to the community.

Actually, adpiuf, some Leagues allow women under 21 to join. The NYC League allow 16 year olds in (although I'm not sure if anyone in high school WOULD!). I have also heard of Leagues that won't let you in until you're 23 (I guess they want you to finish college). Mckid, the best thing to do is to check out your city's chapter to find out what their age requirements are.

Thanks, Tau! I stand corrected! :)

mckid, you could also look into some of the non-NPC sororities. They may be willing to start a city-wide group, especially if there are multiple colleges in the area. Otherwise, I would definitely look into the non-collegiate sororities. A few of them even have collegiate student chapters. Good-luck in all you do!


Yes. I was part of a local group that started at a private university, where the administrators did not want to add any new groups to the existing social fraternities and sororities on campus.

It was a yearlong endeavor of meetings, research, and proposals. Greek life said no, director of student activities said no, the assist dean of student affairs said no, but finally we got to the VP of student affairs, who said YES!

It was a great learning experience and something that I am so glad I did. Just like real life, you have to be persistent to get through all the gatekeepers before reaching the real decision maker. And when you get to that decision maker, you have to be prepared to make your case.