Alcohol use/partying.

[electricfeel01]

I will be going into my first year of university at UBC this fall.
Honestly, I had no idea that UBC even had Greek societies, and I really had no interest in them at all. I found a link to the sororities website through Facebook, and once I got reading, I was actually quite interested. It sounds like a unique and fun way to accomplish many things: meeting new people, building lasting friendships, improving leadership skills, developing confidence, and devoting time to worthy causes. It sounds like the embodiment of what I want to do with my time at university. Call me naive or just plain stupid, but I really didn't want to believe in the stereotypes of sororities/fraternities, and for a while, I really believed that maybe it was all just hype from the media and the movies. On the sororities website, this is what they say about alcohol use: "In accordance with the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Alcohol Initiative, joint sorority/fraternity events held on fraternity property are alcohol-free. All sorority meeting rooms in the Panhellenic House are alcohol-free. Greek members also benefit from alcohol and drug abuse seminars as well as educational programs on date rape, assault and safety." Again, call me naive, but I really believed it..at least, I wanted to.

But, I know a sorority member through my sister (they went to high school together), and I know for a FACT that the above statement is FALSE. It was brought to my attention through physical evidence recently that the above is false. I know for a fact that there are many events that take place during the school year, hosted by the fraternities (sometimes sororities) in fraternity houses, where there is a lot of alcohol. Sometimes, the sole purpose of the event was to get drunk. I am honestly disappointed, because if it wasn't for all the partying and alcohol, I was 95% going to go to recruitment. I do not believe that it takes alcohol to have fun, and I have been too hurt by it in my life to ever appreciate the "fun" that comes out of alcohol.

I don't see why I should pay a large fee to be a part of a society that claims to do so much more than what is the stereotype of a sorority. I am not undermining the time and effort and money put into charity work and other community services in the school. I am not undermining the apparently better marks that Greek members achieve over non-Greek students. But the partying certainly seems to prevail...I don't see why I should invest my money into events that I will ultimately choose not to participate in. That being said, the whole experience doesn't seem to be a good investment, as I can still meet many fabulous people without joining a sorority. I can still join clubs and student organizations where I can practice and develop my leadership skills and confidence. I can certainly participate in charity work in other aspects of campus life and even beyond that. And that all comes without me having to pay extra money.

Please speak up and enlighten me if I am wrong about this, but my eyes do not deceive me. I see this young woman partaking in more partying/drinking events hosted by Greek societies than I see her in events without alcohol use. And it just seems contradictory to me that they are apparently educated on the subject of alcohol abuse, yet they turn right around and abuse it? AKA Beer Pong Tournaments and the like? I'm sure many of you know better than I do that people get seriously hurt from binge drinking.

[lucgreek]

There is drinking in Greek Life? Why I never heard of such a thing! Oh how I have been scammed out of this experience

Drinking happens in Greek Life, just like in every other aspect of college. No one is forcing you to join and if you are so offended by alcohol use, no offense, you must be very, very sheltered to think that Greek Life is the epitome of sobriety

[Matsimela]

Originally Posted by electricfeel01

I don't see why I should pay a large fee to be a part of a society that claims to do so much more than what is the stereotype of a sorority. I am not undermining the time and effort and money put into charity work and other community services in the school. I am not undermining the apparently better marks that Greek members achieve over non-Greek students. But the partying certainly seems to prevail...I don't see why I should invest my money into events that I will ultimately choose not to participate in. That being said, the whole experience doesn't seem to be a good investment, as I can still meet many fabulous people without joining a sorority. I can still join clubs and student organizations where I can practice and develop my leadership skills and confidence. I can certainly participate in charity work in other aspects of campus life and even beyond that. And that all comes without me having to pay extra money.

Correct me if im wrong, but no one is putting a gun to your head and telling you that you have to rush or go through anyone's membership intake process. So whats the problem? You saw something that you didnt like and now you dont want to do it....so dont freaking do it. No one can make the decision for you.

[Gusteau]

Originally Posted by electricfeel01

I don't see why I should pay a large fee to be a part of a society that claims to do so much more than what is the stereotype of a sorority. I am not undermining the time and effort and money put into charity work and other community services in the school. I am not undermining the apparently better marks that Greek members achieve over non-Greek students. But the partying certainly seems to prevail...I don't see why I should invest my money into events that I will ultimately choose not to participate in. That being said, the whole experience doesn't seem to be a good investment, as I can still meet many fabulous people without joining a sorority. I can still join clubs and student organizations where I can practice and develop my leadership skills and confidence. I can certainly participate in charity work in other aspects of campus life and even beyond that. And that all comes without me having to pay extra money.

The two things are not mutually exclusive. This may crush your sheltered existence, but partying occasionally does not mean that you don't do good works and reap the strong and intangible benefits from Greek life.

Quite frankly, I hope you don't go through recruitment. Despite what you've said, you clearly buy into this stereotype.

[perfectinpurple]

I'm going to try my best to tell you about sorority life as no frills as possible. Yes there is drinking in greek life, and yes there is drinking in college life in general. But if you are really averse to it you don't have to be a part of it!

Many of the sisters in my house, as well as sisters in other houses, do not drink. However they still have fun at social events (many of which are non-alcoholic, and many of which are limited to sisters only). No one pressures them to drink, because we are a sisterhood, and we respect their decisions. Also, at every social event we host (and I'm assuming other greek organiztions do the same) we have what's called "sober sister". She's either risk management, or a sister who has simply chosen to take on that duty for the night. I hope this shows you not all sorority girls are only out to drink and party.

You've heard the old adages "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy" and "work hard, play hard". That's how it is in greek life. We work hard in our philanthropic endeavors, and so naturally we also like some time to play. Sororities (and fraternities) work hard to promote their philanthropy, raise funds for it, and to better it through many different ways.

The Panhellenic rules you quoted are indeed true, there are certain restrictions as to the types of events that can be held. Are you sure this evidence you've seen was taking place at a greek sponsored event and not just a party? I know many fraternity houses hold open parties that have a very different atmosphere than the fraternity/sorority parties being held. You should really look hard at the evidence to determine what is really going on. Just like my house has many girls who don't drink, we have some girls who really like to party... But that doesn't mean they aren't great girls!

I think you should at least give it a chance, it sounds like you're really interested, and it also sounds that you are an intelligent girl. I think you would make a great asset to a sorority on your campus. Maybe you should call or email the Panhellenic office at your school if you're still having concerns. They should be able to give you a better idea of what sorority life on your campus is actually like.

I hope this helps you out!

[Psi U MC Vito]

Like had been said before, drinking happens. But that's not all we are about. I have friends who are non Greek that drink more then any Greek I know. It's all about the individual. Honestly some of my best times in the fraternity have nothing ot do with alcohol. So many memories of playing video games or BSing while cleaning the house or doing a fundraiser or community service. There is so much to greek life. And I have brothers who don't drink, who would still come out to mixers ot have a good time with the Brothers. I for instance hate open parties, but love the mixers. It's because mixers is just you having a good time with your brothers and a roughly equal number of girls.

[angelove]

By all means, if you want to avoid drinking, stay away from Greeks. Everybody knows that non-Greek college students never drink. Be friends only with non-Greeks.

[Titchou]

Lots of people break the rules - every where. But I'm sure you've never driven over - or UNDER - the speed limit, never made an illegal turn, never took so much as a paper clip from your employer, etc. Yes, the rule is there and people sometimes ignore it. But as the others have said, no one requires YOU to break it. THat is up to you.

[pshsx1]

Originally Posted by electricfeel01

But the partying certainly seems to prevail...I don't see why I should invest my money into events that I will ultimately choose not to participate in. That being said, the whole experience doesn't seem to be a good investment, as I can still meet many fabulous people without joining a sorority. I can still join clubs and student organizations where I can practice and develop my leadership skills and confidence. I can certainly participate in charity work in other aspects of campus life and even beyond that. And that all comes without me having to pay extra money.

First of all, nothing in college is free (except all of the fun stuff at the beginning of the year for Freshmen). If you plan on joining ANY organization, you're going to have to pay. Almost all organizations on campus are self sustained by the membership (and those that aren't are paid by your tuition). Secondly, if you join a sorority, your dues will never go towards purchasing alcohol. Fraternities and sororities may not use pooled money (or chapter funds) to buy alcohol. Also, I'm pretty sure fraternity/sorority mixers have to be alcohol-free. I know that's the case at my school. But still, it's college and people do drink. Even with mixers, once the event officially ends (let's say the event's end is marked at 10pm), alcohol may show up. But many of our organizations have safety measures set up such as a beer check, risk management teams, and safe rides.

And like everyone else has said, you do NOT have to participate in drinking events. College students are actually mature enough to respect that and if someone offers you a drink, you can just say no and they'll go about their merry way.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by pshsx1

Fraternities and sororities may not use pooled money (or chapter funds) to buy alcohol. Also, I'm pretty sure fraternity/sorority mixers have to be alcohol-free. I know that's the case at my school.

Said the Sig Ep.

That's not the case everywhere.

The premise of this thread is stupid. If you don't like it, don't join. I'd rather not because you seem a little nosy and your screen name is stupid.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by electricfeel01

I will be going into my first year of university at UBC this fall.

I don't believe you.

Unless you have taken a great deal of time between high school and college and are around 38.

Either that or you're a guy (or a closeted girl) with a massive stick up your butt and an ax to grind because your crush is partying with fraternity guys instead of sitting on the couch watching The Notebook with you.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Either that or you're a guy (or a closeted girl) with a massive stick up your butt and an ax to grind because your crush is partying with fraternity guys instead of sitting on the couch watching The Notebook with you.

FTW

[33girl]

I have to come clean though....I only thought of The Notebook because they were referencing it on Daisy of Love.

[annabella]

I don't know how I feel about "clean" and "Daisy of Love" being used in the same sentence.

[Elephant Walk]

Originally Posted by 33girl

I have to come clean though....I only thought of The Notebook because they were referencing it on Daisy of Love.

I must have missed this...

I gotta catch up on DoL