Go Greek: Learn leadership skills, make friends
Jessica Penny
Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: Viewpoints
Shirts bearing Greek letters flood the campus of Marietta College, and the question arises, "Should I consider joining them?" Why not? Being a part of the Greek community provides opportunities to enhance leadership skills and create bonds of brotherhood or sisterhood.
Recruitment is non-obligatory and provides prospective members of the student body with the best picture of Greek life. Kathryn Patton, the President of the Panhellenic Council, urges those who are unsure whether they want to be a part of the Greek community to attend recruitment anyway.
"In the worst-case scenario," Patton said, "you will get to eat good food and meet new people."
There is no need for concern for those worried about Greek life being a hindrance to being involved in other activities. The Greek community has a big presence on campus, according to Vice President of Recruitment Development, Megan McGrath.
"Those involved with Greek life tend to be those who are the presidents of or are highly involved with other organizations on campus," McGrath said.
Though Greek life has many positive attributes, many students are discouraged from joining because of the hefty price tag affiliated with becoming a member. McGrath admits that "the cost can be daunting, but the treasurers of each chapter are willing to work with [members]." The dues are used for tutoring and academic support, philanthropy projects, social programming, special events, house maintenance and insurance.
Sometimes, parents' negative opinions of Greek life hold sway as well. McGrath suggests that the parents go online to greek.marietta.edu and do some research on the different chapters, and make their decisions based on Marietta's own unique version of Greek life.
Recruitment begins Monday. To register for a sorority, the Student Life office in Andrews Hall has registration papers. This includes a $5 fee, which pays for a T-shirt that is required for recruitment.
Fraternity rush information will be advertised throughout campus.
Becoming a part of the Greek community is beneficial to those who wish to hone their leadership skills, help the community through civic engagement and form lifelong friendships. There is so little to lose, yet so much to gain. As Blake Johnson, President of the Interfraternity Council, said, "I can say that I've got a group of 30-some brothers to help me through the college years, some that I'll be lifelong friends with."
So "Be More. Be Greek."
Recruitment is non-obligatory and provides prospective members of the student body with the best picture of Greek life. Kathryn Patton, the President of the Panhellenic Council, urges those who are unsure whether they want to be a part of the Greek community to attend recruitment anyway.
"In the worst-case scenario," Patton said, "you will get to eat good food and meet new people."
There is no need for concern for those worried about Greek life being a hindrance to being involved in other activities. The Greek community has a big presence on campus, according to Vice President of Recruitment Development, Megan McGrath.
"Those involved with Greek life tend to be those who are the presidents of or are highly involved with other organizations on campus," McGrath said.
Though Greek life has many positive attributes, many students are discouraged from joining because of the hefty price tag affiliated with becoming a member. McGrath admits that "the cost can be daunting, but the treasurers of each chapter are willing to work with [members]." The dues are used for tutoring and academic support, philanthropy projects, social programming, special events, house maintenance and insurance.
Sometimes, parents' negative opinions of Greek life hold sway as well. McGrath suggests that the parents go online to greek.marietta.edu and do some research on the different chapters, and make their decisions based on Marietta's own unique version of Greek life.
Recruitment begins Monday. To register for a sorority, the Student Life office in Andrews Hall has registration papers. This includes a $5 fee, which pays for a T-shirt that is required for recruitment.
Fraternity rush information will be advertised throughout campus.
Becoming a part of the Greek community is beneficial to those who wish to hone their leadership skills, help the community through civic engagement and form lifelong friendships. There is so little to lose, yet so much to gain. As Blake Johnson, President of the Interfraternity Council, said, "I can say that I've got a group of 30-some brothers to help me through the college years, some that I'll be lifelong friends with."
So "Be More. Be Greek."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
West By-God
Greek Alumni
posted 9/13/09 @ 6:23 PM EST
GREAT article!!! Way to show both sides!!
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