West Chester University is a diverse campus that meets the needs of its students by providing a variety of student organizations. The office of Greek life offers 25 different organizations known as chapters, for students to find their connection here on campus. The chapters mirror the diversity of the campus, with members from many different racial, religious, regional, and other backgrounds. Greek Life is comprised of fraternities and sororities whose main objective is to bring out the best in their members through strong fraternal bonds and working together to achieve common goals. Greek life has a well-built and rich tradition at hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. It offers many opportunities to meet people, enhance academic achievement, contribute to the community, and develop leadership and philanthropic skills. WCU believes that fraternities and sororities supports the mission of the University, as well as provide an avenue for student involvement.
‘Why Go Greek?’ This is one of the many questions students ask themselves as they enter into college. Everyone has a desire to belong and find their niche here on campus. Fraternities and sororities offer the opportunity to come in contact with new people who share similar interests and values. This experience can enhance your college career both personally and professionally. The Greek community takes the rigors of academics seriously, the all Greek GPA average is above the campus average GPA. Taking an active leadership role is highly encouraged and expected. Chapters have leadership positions, financial responsibilities, and rules and regulations to follow.
The Inter-fraternity Council IFC, the Panhellenic Council, the Inner-Greek Council IGC, and the Black and Latino Greek Council BLGC are all governing boards over the Greek community where members of the Greek society serve to ensure excellence.
Greek life adds excitement through rituals and traditions, formals, road trips to other chapters, intramural sports, social events and yearly celebrations of school spirit at homecoming and Greek Week.
There are many myths about the Greeks due to media exposure and the “Animal House” stigma. Binge drinking, drug abuse, neglecting academics and buying your friends are misconceptions that give the title of “Being Greek” a bad reputation. The Greek Life governing boards and the National organizations have strict rules and regulations against the excessive consumption of alcohol. The reality of binge drinking and abusing drugs is that it happens in every facet of society. When a member of a fraternity or sorority makes a mistake, then there is a negative stigma. Lifelong friendship is not a commodity that can be bought and sold. With that solid built-in support system behind one, the Greeks donate a large amount of time planning and hosting numerous community and philanthropic events on and off campus.
The bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that a chapter creates can be priceless. For those interested in joining Greek organizations please consider all ones options and check all the unique and different chapters offered at this campus. Recruitment and rush will take place in the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters. This fall sorority recruitment is Sept. 10 through the 13. The fraternities rush dates are Tuesday Sept. 15 and Wednesday Sept. 16 and then the following week Tuesday Sept. 22 and Wednesday Sept. 23, 2009. Look for flyers in the Residence Halls and around campus for more information. The Involvement Fair on Sept. 9 will provide students with the chance to meet the different chapters, and if students decide Greek life is not for oneself than one has the chance to seek out the other 250 clubs and organizations in the WCU Community. Check out the Web site: http://ies.wcupa.edu/wcugreeks or stop by the Greek Life Office at 238 Sykes Student Union for more information.
Todd Soper is a West Chester University student. He can be reached at TS657631@wcupa.edu.