Greek FAQs
 
Here are answers to some of the most common questions you may have about being Greek. If you don't find the answer you are looking for on this page, feel free to e-mail us at info@rhobeta.com.

What is a sorority / fraternity?
What are the benefits of joining?
Are there benefits after graduation?
How much will it cost?
What is membership recruitment (Rush)?
If I go through recruitment, do I have to join?
What should I talk about during membership recruitment?
Will membership affect my grades?
How do you join a fraternity or sorority?
I'm interested, but I'm still not sure?
Is it really paying money for friends?
If I become Greek will I have time for school?
Will I be able to participate in non-Greek organizations?
Will people force me to do anything ridiculous as a member or new member such as excessive drinking, pranks, and so forth?
Is it really like what is portrayed on TV and movies?

What is a sorority / fraternity?

Fraternities and sororities are an organized group of students with similar interests who work together to make themselves and the community at large better. They serve as a support system, a living and learning environment, and a home away from home.

What are the benefits of joining?

Many students who join fraternities and sororities are seeking friendship. However, there are also the benefits that come from the support of a peer group, opportunities for philanthropic involvement and community service, high academic standards, educational programming on topics of health and wellness, experience living and working with a diverse membership, and leadership opportunities.

Are there benefits after graduation?

Absolutely. Greek membership is a lifelong commitment. Once you are an initiated member, you remain a member for life. As such, each national organization has an extensive alumni network. As you know, in today's job market, it is not only important what you know, but who you know. Being a fraternity or sorority member means having an immediate connection with thousands of other members. There are many successful Greek alumni all over the country who are always looking to hire the best and the brightest that our Greek community has to offer. In addition, there are alumni groups or graduate chapters that operate in most cities and metropolitan areas across the country. If you find yourself in a new city, you can start your networking with your brothers or sisters in the local alumni group.

How much will it cost?

Costs vary from chapter to chapter, but expenses will generally include: semesterly local and national dues, and one-time new member and initiation fees.

What is membership recruitment and membership education?

Membership recruitment is the mutual selection process by which sororities and fraternities choose their new members, and potential new members select the chapter in which they feel the most comfortable. It is also an opportunity to learn and ask questions about each chapter's activities, financial obligations, time commitments, and membership requirements.

If I go through recruitment, do I have to join?

Participation in recruitment does not obligate you to join. It is a time to meet people and evaluate a lifestyle. Some students go through recruitment multiple times before deciding on an organization to join.

What should I talk about during membership recruitment?

It is important to be yourself during recruitment and let the conversation flow naturally. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It is as important for you to get to know chapter members as it is for members to get to know you.

Will membership affect my grades?

High academic standards are strongly emphasized by all fraternities and sororities. Chapters often have minimum grade requirements, study hours, peer study sessions, and programming to foster academic success.

How do you join a fraternity or sorority?

All fraternities and sororities participate in scheduled membership recruitment periods at the beginning of every semester. After the recruitment period is over, chapters decide on students they feel would be good members and give them formal invitations to join called bids. After signing his bid, a student will then participate in the chapter's New Member education program (membership education some organizations refers to this as pledging). This education program teaches New Members about the organization's history, how it functions, as well as ways to better themselves as students and become strong members of the Greek community.

I'm interested, but I'm still not sure?

Joining a fraternity or sorority is a major decision that can affect a person throughout their entire lives. Being educated in the Greek system is important when making this decision. There are many resources available to answer any questions you may have.

Is it really paying money for friends?

Like any extensive organization, fraternity and sorority members do have financial obligations. However, the notion that this is "paying for friends" is a myth. The benefits available to members far exceed the financial obligations.

If I become Greek will I have time for school?

As a member of the Greek community, there are many functions, programs, and events to participate in. Through time management and study skills workshops, Greek members are better able to balance their academic, social, and extracurricular lives. Since academics are a strong part of every fraternity and sorority, members get a good sense of priorities and the time commitment needed to excel academically.

Can I Participate in non-Greek organizations?

Of course. In fact, many chapters encourage it. Greek men and women are not only leaders in the Greek community, but in the WSU community as well. Members of fraternities and sororities are participants, or even executive board members, of organizations and clubs across the WSU community such as Student Government, the Sunflower, SIFE and many others.

Will people force me to do anything ridiculous as a member or new member such as excessive drinking, pranks, and so forth?

 Although the media may lead you to believe that hazing is a part of Greek life. Most states and WSU have strong anti-hazing laws and regulations. Every Greek organization is required to abide by any anti-hazing laws and regulations. WSU and the Greek communities take hazing very seriously and, as such, hazing is not an issue here.

Is it really like what is portrayed on TV and movies?

Although fraternities and sororities are social organizations, TV and movies greatly exaggerate or make-up what Greek life is really like. Greeks do attend social functions such as mixers and such, but are required to follow guidelines set forth by the state and school regarding alcohol consumption. What the media does not tell you is the thousands of hours and hundreds of thousands of dollars Greeks contribute annually to charities and volunteer centers.