Why Go Greek? Jacksonville State University Perspective

[CrimsonTide4]

I was googling DST for news articles and came across this one here. I copied it here in its entirety because if you are not registered you won't be able to read it.

Why go Greek?
By Kimberly Davis
Published: Thursday, September 22, 2005
Article Tools: Page 1 of 2

The hype of Greek life has made many JSU students ask "Why go Greek?"
Students usually seek answers on the importance of Greek life after being exposed to Greek parties, rushes, and sponsored activities on campus. Their main concerns are the cost to join, the purpose for going Greek, and how the organization will benefit them in their careers.

The president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Marcus Shephard said, " The cost to join is $900 and up depending on the Greek organization."

The money has become a major issue because some students did not understand the purpose of paying hundreds of dollars to be a part of an organization.

Amanda Richard a sophomore said, "Why should I have to pay for community service and sisterhood?" She also said, " True community service and sisterhood should be a volunteered action and not when you have to pay for it."

The cost to go Greek seems to be the main reason why many students have chosen not to be apart of the organizations.

The Greek organizations are operated like a business and the money is what keeps the organizations running. Greek organization must charge fees because the campus chapters must pay dues to national chapters.

Brook Bell ,the advisor and alumni of Phi Mu, said " The money goes to national, charitable programs like Hurricane Katrina, retreats, social events, and it keeps the budget up and running."

The money covers just about everything in the organizations from the Greek wear to the parties.

The money plays an essential part in keeping the Greek organizations alive on campus.

The purpose for going Greek is another question students asked during rush week 2005.

Some students gave their personal opinions about the Greek organizations on campus.

Jarien Lee a senior, said, " If you join, you should join for the right reasons like to meet people or bring something to the fraternity or sorority, and not just for popularity."
Some students believed popularity was the main reason some students join.

Aundria Jones a junior, said, " People join for popularity and networking." Is popularity and meeting new friends the main reason why students go Greek?

Angela Estes a senior and member of ZTA said, " Not only is it about the social aspect throughout college, but it's a life long commitment which prepares you for the real world, and it provides you with networking throughout your career." Many students on campus went Greek to get involved more on campus participate in community service, develop leadership skills, and learn job networking.

Rachel Jackson, a senior and member of Delta Sigma Theta, said, "Delta Sigma Theta is centered around The Five-Point Thrust program and that is economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness."

Many of the Greek organizations say their main purpose is community service or educational developments.

Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated is a community service organization , and centers its programs around direct service to the community. Sigma Nu fraternity helps young men with their GPA's, and they have one of the highest GPA's on campus.

One of the benefits of going Greek is career networking that will help you get jobs in the future. Many of the Greek organizations believe networking plays a major role in finding a job.

Sigma Gamma Rho President Tocarra Johnson said, "The benefit for your career is networking with major interviews and recommendations. The Alumni Association contacts will meet you in other states and show you around. They will give you real life experiences in your field."

Delta Sigma Theta President Marshontri Reid said, "The main benefits are sisterhood, community service, and if you join Collegiate Chapter they teach you leadership development and job placement. It helps you grow as a person and you develop friendship bonds that last a lifetime."

The Greek life is not just about the parties, money, and popularity. The main benefits of going Greek are career advancement and job networking.

Kappa Alpha Psi President Marcus Shephard said, "It helps you brighten your horizons by meeting new people and learning different things in life."

[sigmadiva]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4


Why go Greek?
By Kimberly Davis
Published: Thursday, September 22, 2005
Article Tools: Page 1 of 2




Amanda Richard a sophomore said, "Why should I have to pay for community service and sisterhood?" She also said, " True community service and sisterhood should be a volunteered action and not when you have to pay for it."

I was at a luncheon recently and two women at the table had this same feeling. One said that when she was in school she saw too much hazing from the org she was interested in so she did not join. And, while she is still somewhat interested in the org, she is still not sure as to if she wants to join.

The other woman just said flat out that she saw no purpose for joining a sorority because she can make the same type of contribution and work just as hard in her college alumni group.

As far as the cost to join, more than likely the most expensive period is when you are a PNM / pledge. After initiaion you can pretty much determine how much you want to pay. Some people just pay the minimum annual membership dues and some people pay for everything, which includes, but not limited to, dues, scholarship programs and events.

I think people need to keep in mind that being greek encomapsses many factors *at once* - scholarship, service, tradition and brother/sisterhood.

I think many of us in college were part of more than one group / organization, but that group / org pretty much only had one purpose. For example, I was a member of my undergrad opera society, but all we did was meet to talk about the next opera event on campus and nothing more. Sure, there were the occasional socials and one retreat a year, but nothing more. I guess what I am trying to say is that you can get more out of your glo. But, of course, I am biased......

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by sigmadiva
After initiaion you can pretty much determine how much you want to pay. Some people just pay the minimum annual membership dues and some people pay for everything, which includes, but not limited to, dues, scholarship programs and events.

I don't think this is true across the board. For example in my Fraternity, the only time a member can be released from paying full dues is if she's granted special status by the chapter advisor. That status is usually only given in case of illness, family emergency, or some other stressful, life-altering event.

The only time we get to choose how much we pay is at the alumnae level, which means you're either in good standing or you aren't.

[twhrider13]

Those attitudes of independents here don't particularly surprise me. I've actually had doors slammed in my face a time or two when inviting people to COB events. JSU is largely a commuter college, and many, many of the students here are the first people in their families to go to college (I'm the first in my family to go to college as well). So what you have is a bunch of people who are generally opposed to the Greek system for no other reason than they think they SHOULD be opposed to it. Those types of attitudes are often hard to change, even though all the Greek organizations on campus have been trying hard to do so.

I like the article, though. It talks about the objection we hear most--MONEY. Ninety-five percent of all students at JSU are on some form of financial aid, so budgets are tight for a lot of us (me included). I'm impressed with the writing, however. In past years, the writers at The Chanticleer have not exactly covered Greek Life in the best light. This year, it's been getting better. This is the second positive article they've published about Greeks this semester. It may not sound like much, but for this place, it's a start.

Edited for clarity.

[sigmadiva]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
I don't think this is true across the board. For example in my Fraternity, the only time a member can be released from paying full dues is if she's granted special status by the chapter advisor. That status is usually only given in case of illness, family emergency, or some other stressful, life-altering event.

The only time we get to choose how much we pay is at the alumnae level, which means you're either in good standing or you aren't.

My point was that there is / can be flexibility in membership costs after the initiation costs; and I think it is the initiation costs that frightens most people because it can be expensive up front. For example with respect to initiation, in addition to the dues, there is the cost for the pin, processing the paperwork and information from nationals - your membership card, certificate, C & B, NM manual, etc.. some of this you will only pay for once and that is at / before initiation.

Many of my glo friends say that their org offers flexibility in membership costs, after initiation. Some will allow you to just pay the dues to be a member in good standing, some expect you pay the dues and certain other costs (housing, events, chapter activities, t-shirts) to be a member in good standing.