What is Greek Life?

In a word: FUN! Joining a Fraternity or Sorority in an exciting experience filled with laughter, life long memories, bittersweet farewells and emotional reunions. Greek men and women develop skills for success in future careers in business, science, academia and life. Alumni become political leaders, health professionals, teachers -- contributors to society. Sure there are great parties to go to and fancy Balls to dress up for, but that is only a small part of Greek life.

Philanthropy The most public aspect of Greek life is community service. Every Fraternity and Sorority has an official charity to raise funds and awareness for. The challenge in the Greek community is to find the zaniest way to raise money! Volunteerism and fundraising are intrinsic to Greek life. The human element of philantrhopic activities amongst Greeks is also important. Members of Greek organizations are volunteer Girl Scout leaders, Big Brothers, hospital volunteers and environmentalists.

Financial Obligation Like most fraternal organizations, Greek letter Fraternities and Sororities collect dues from their members. The financial obligation to Greek membership is considerable. Because of this, Greek life has earned the reputation of being elitist, or "for the affluent only". In reality, this isn't true. For the most part, the demographics of Greek membership are similar to that of Canadian university students. Most members hold a job, collect student loans and pay their dues by installments. Membership dues are paid only during university years, although membership lasts a lifetime!

Lifetime Membership After graduation, alumni involvement remains multifaceted. Leadership roles in Chapter advising, programming, fundraising and education are available. International or national fraternal opportunites for service also exist. Relocation to a new city is less intimidating when you can call up a fellow local alum who'll help you move in. The fraternal bonds last a lifetime.

Ritual The Greek community has taken a firm stance against hazing. Ritual of Greek letter organizations has nothing to do with hazing. It is not scary, degrading or shameful. Although it is the most important part of membership, it is nothing more than symbols, heraldry and common ideals. With some exceptions*, Rituals are secret and are the enduring tradition and livelihood of Greek life. This non-public aspect of membership is not malicious or harmful. In fact, many members find Ritual the most personal and committed part of Greek life.

Social Despite its relatively small role in the structure of Greek organizations, Fraternity and Sorority social events are notoriously the first image one has of Greek life. The social calendar is indeed a busy one filled with Brotherhood/Sisterhood nights, theme parties, formal Balls, exchanges, athletic competitions and more. Many of the memorable experiences surrounding Greek life are the Social events. It is a time to take a break from the books and to enjoy one's youth! Careful planning is therefore required in order to optimize time for the University priority: scholarship.

Scholarship Many new members worry that their grades will suffer after entering Greek life. Scholarship standards ensure that this doesn't happen. In fact, Greek averages often exceed the campus average! Time management, goal setting, support groups and study programs help keep the Greek student focused.

Personal Development Greek organizations train their members for leadership and success. Many Fraternity and Sorority programmes include the realities of alcohol and drug abuse, hazing, date rape and other major concerns on our nation's campuses. Awareness seminars, small-groups discussions and expert guest speakers are organized and funded by Greek organizations for their membership.

Brotherhood/Sisterhood When polled, Greek members rank Brotherhood/Sisterhood as one of the top reasons that they opted for Greek life. Afterall, you don't have to join a Fraternity or Sorority to have a great social life in University. You don't have to pay dues to a Greek letter organization to volunteer or raise money for a cause. You don't have to belong to the Greek community to acquire the personal development and study skills to succeed at University. The element of Brotherhood/Sisterhood is nonetheless a difficult attribute to convey to men and women interested in joining the Greek system. It is a feeling of togetherness, support and team work. It is companionship, personal discovery, challenge and awareness. Come see for yourself!

Greek life awaits you! We'll see you at Rush!

*Delta Upsilon is a non-secret Fraternity which publicly performs its initiation ceremony and publishes its Ritual.