"Worst of times" for Greek life

[DSTCHAOS]

I understand the impact the 1960s had on Americans and Greeks, in general.

However, many NPHCers consider the 1960s to have been great years for NPHC organizations. Older NPHCers, people in certain areas, and people at certain institutions saw how NPHC organizations and organizations like the Urban Leage and NAACP were very active in civil rights (including but not limited to the rights of blacks as a minority group). Many older NPHCers look back at their collegiate or graduate days of the 1960s and discuss how "excited" they were over what groups such as the NPHC had to offer for public service and for an ability to "let their hair down" and get their minds off of social problems/have fun.

This was very empowering, even if it was prompted by disturbing events and social conditions. In the midst of protest, there were social institutions that served as a voice for communities and a foundation for social action and change.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I understand the impact the 1960s had on Americans and Greeks, in general.

However, many NPHCers consider the 1960s to have been great years for NPHC organizations. Older NPHCers, people in certain areas, and people at certain institutions saw how NPHC organizations and organizations like the Urban Leage and NAACP were very active in civil rights (including but not limited to the rights of blacks as a minority group). Many older NPHCers look back at their collegiate or graduate days of the 1960s and discuss how "excited" they were over what groups such as the NPHC had to offer for public service and for an ability to "let their hair down" and get their minds off of social problems/have fun.

This was very empowering, even if it was prompted by disturbing events and social conditions. In the midst of protest, there were social institutions that served as a voice for communities and a foundation for social action and change.

I can definitely see that. What a great legacy!

[oldu]

While the NPC numbers show membership up slightly during the past few years, the problem is that the enrollment figures at those same institutions have risen substantially. As an example, today Big Ten schools have an average of 14.5 NPC groups. In the late 1960s that number was 19.5 That is a 25% decrease in chapters while enrollments were nearly doubling! Even in the SEC schools, probably Greekdom's most popular area, the average number of NPC groups on each campus dropped from 13 to 11.8 -- at a time when the student population nearly tripled. It cannot be healthy when a continually smaller percentage of students determine that fraternity or sorority membership is of value to them. By the way, the fraternity figures are far worse than the soririties'.

[Tom Earp]

oldu, I find this interesting as most Fraternities are in a expansion mode of sorts.

Granted there some being closed for numbers and R M. I am not sure how the balance is coming out in the long run.

Always intersting data from you!

[33girl]

Originally Posted by oldu

While the NPC numbers show membership up slightly during the past few years, the problem is that the enrollment figures at those same institutions have risen substantially. As an example, today Big Ten schools have an average of 14.5 NPC groups. In the late 1960s that number was 19.5 That is a 25% decrease in chapters while enrollments were nearly doubling! Even in the SEC schools, probably Greekdom's most popular area, the average number of NPC groups on each campus dropped from 13 to 11.8 -- at a time when the student population nearly tripled. It cannot be healthy when a continually smaller percentage of students determine that fraternity or sorority membership is of value to them. By the way, the fraternity figures are far worse than the sororities'.

You would have to look at the actual number of women in the sororities to determine whether it hasn't kept up with student enrollment. Most NPCs would rather have 10 chapters of 100 than 20 chapters of 50. It's getting more and more expensive to run a chapter, and smaller, unprofitable chapters are closed much more quickly than in years past.

Also, many multicultural groups have sprung up in recent years, so membership of ALL Greeks needs to be looked at, not just NPC groups.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by 33girl

Also, many multicultural groups have sprung up in recent years, so membership of ALL Greeks needs to be looked at, not just NPC groups.

We're still not mainstream enough to be included in "Greek Life."

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by oldu

While the NPC numbers show membership up slightly during the past few years, the problem is that the enrollment figures at those same institutions have risen substantially. As an example, today Big Ten schools have an average of 14.5 NPC groups. In the late 1960s that number was 19.5 That is a 25% decrease in chapters while enrollments were nearly doubling! Even in the SEC schools, probably Greekdom's most popular area, the average number of NPC groups on each campus dropped from 13 to 11.8 -- at a time when the student population nearly tripled. It cannot be healthy when a continually smaller percentage of students determine that fraternity or sorority membership is of value to them. By the way, the fraternity figures are far worse than the soririties'.

Even though the percentages you quote are down, it doesn't mean that Greek Life has taken a hit. Let's face it...on larger campuses, such as the Big 10, there is so much more to do than in the 60s. Students have cars, they have jobs, there are more ways to network than 40 years ago, and there is more diversity. Bottom line is that students have more options, but I wouldn't say that Greek Life ise in the Worst of Times by the sheer percentages.