This is a few years old, but the message and meaning are still the same today. This is a positive article.
Greeks say system proves 'Animal House' misconceptions wrong with academic emphasis
by Lindsey Fortmeyer
Kansas State Collegian
Choosing to be in a fraternity or sorority can be a difficult decision, but several greek members suggest students explore their greek options.
Mike Hochberg, junior in golf course management, said there was no question whether he was going to join a greek house. Both of his parents were greek.
"My brothers are excellent. We're all like true brothers," Hochberg said.
Hochberg said through the fraternity he has made close friendships and learned a lot from his brothers.
"Explore the greek houses and decide if you really want to be greek," he said.
Barb Robel, adviser for Greek Affairs, said greek life has many advantages.
"One of the biggest benefits of greek life is that it's a small group support system and a living organization. It enhances scholarship performance, leadership skills and community services," she said.
Students in a fraternity or sorority have the choice of living in or out of a greek house, but some houses require members to live in its house for at least a year.
Greek houses are priced similarly to residence halls, although there are some additional membership expenses.
Greek houses are large communal living organizations that are set up like any ordinary home including a living room, dining room and recreation room. The difference for greek houses is that they have a large number of bedrooms and sleeping dorms.
"Chapter houses provide a family-style living experience," Robel said. "That kind of lifestyle is a good way to create support groups and learn some skills outside of the classroom."
There is more to greek life than just living in the house, Robel said.
"There are several different dimensions of greek life," she said. "There is the social aspect and the interaction with the Manhattan community and other chapters, but everyone certainly stresses doing good academically."
Jason Lantz, freshman in pre-health professions, said when he was an incoming freshman, he heard about greek life from a friend in his hometown. Before Lantz got to K-State, he pictured fraternities as being like the movie "Animal House," with a lot of drinking and a lack of academics.
He received his first real perception of fraternities when he visited Manhattan on his own to spend time with members of his fraternity. He said that is how he knew that greek life would be a part of his own life.
Lantz said he enjoys his brotherhood and strong relationships with his friends in the fraternity, but the house can be troublesome at times, especially when members get loud in the sleeping dorms.
He said he doesn't like all the work that prospective initiates have to do for the fraternity.
During the first semester of school this year, Lantz worked on several projects and had to memorize material for the fraternity.
"These kinds of things are good for brotherhood, but tends to strain our academics," he said.
After the first semester of joining a fraternity, it is up to individual members to decide how much time they want to put into the organization, Lantz said. There are activities such as community service projects, functions, formal dances, intramurals and homecoming.
Most houses only require members to attend formal chapter once a week and a fund-raiser for its philanthropy.
Troy Glaser, sophomore in biology and pre-health professions, said before he joined a fraternity, he thought greek houses were just a bunch of parties.
But he wanted to get involved in an organization, so he rushed the spring of his senior year of high school.
Rushing is a process of comparing all of the different greek houses on campus and deciding which one a student would want to join.
"I felt kind of odd during rush, compared to everyone else," Glaser said. "I didn't know how to act. I was a high school kid in a college atmosphere."
Now Glaser said he feels comfortable around his fraternity brothers, although there is not much privacy or quiet time around the house.
"You can start out in a house, and if you don't like it, you can always get out," he said.
Exploring the greek houses is what Cherlyn White, senior in public relations, did to change her not-so-positive attitude towards greek life.
"I grew up as a farm girl," White said. "I just didn't think this was the thing for me."
After becoming a member and spending a lot of time at her sorority, White decided sorority life was for her. She said everyone in college should try communal living, but to remember that greek life is not the answer for everyone.
White said some members of her sorority consider the house to have great importance in their lives, while others use it as a hobby.
Tamara Mann, junior in elementary education, said her sorority has given her an excellent opportunity to get involved on campus.
She came from a small town and did not know many K-State students.
"In the sorority, there is always someone new to talk to," Mann said. "You really learn who your friends are. I've probably found some life-long friends."
Mann said she lived in the residence halls for a year, but now she can't imagine herself without her "homey" sorority.
Meredith Bosley, sophomore in communication sciences and disorders, said her sorority is like a second home.
"There is such a diverse number of girls," she said. "I've found my true friends, and they've provided me with support and have encouraged me to follow what I believe in."
Bosley said the sorority is time-consuming, but can be rewarding at the end of the year. "
I can't see myself not being with the friends that I am," she said. "I really think sororities make you branch out as an individual."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This item was published on June 8, 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1998, Student Publications Inc. All rights reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of Student Publications Inc., Kansas State University.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WOW! Very long thread! 
Linear Mode
