On Feb. 20, UCF students received an email stating that all Greek life initiation, new member and social activities would be suspended until further notice. The news traveled around campus like a freight train, and for the next few days, gossip about Greek Life was nearly impossible to avoid. From the smug to the devastated, everyone had Greek on the mind. A new timeline released by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life shows that, if all guidelines are met, most houses should be reinstated by the end of spring semester. As a girl making arrangements to rush in the fall, this is wonderful news. However, for those already initiated into Greek Life, these next few months will prove to be crucial to their future here at UCF. To give them some ideas, here are four ways this collegiette thinks Greek Life at UCF can get the ball rolling again.
Don’t Be Shy…Diversify!
One of the most cherished parts of being in a fraternity or sorority is the sense of belonging that comes with initiation. “Community” serves as both a tenet of the UCF Creed and an integral part of Greek Life. It is no surprise, then, to find that Greeks have bonding, family and friendship under control. However, in my three semesters here at UCF I’ve begun to notice that the line between Greek and “GDI” students is very thin, very fine, and very easy to trip over. Fraternity and Sorority Life fosters life-long friendships, but it also seems to foster a division between students on campus. I’ve met many young women who choose not to wear their letters to class in fear of being treated differently because of them. Often times, mention of “Greek” cancels out all thoughts of “intelligence,” which really doesn’t make much sense, as students in the Greek system have, on average, higher GPA’s than those unaffiliated. Without a bond between Greek students and the other members of the UCF community, not much can be done in the way of fostering “Community.”
My idea: Change their minds! When you’re in a lecture, try sitting next to someone that you don’t already know from Greek Life. Being Greek basically implies that you’re awesome at time management, so try scheduling in a club on campus that isn’t Greek-affiliated. For those that have chosen not to go Greek: don’t judge a book by its cover. Stereotypes are never something to be celebrated. In turn, by cultivating friendships and working relationships between Greek and non-Greek students on campus, we can work to build a better community at UCF together.
The Blame Game Stops Here!
In the aftermath of the suspension, Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook feeds were filled with accusations of unfair punishment. Why blame the entirety of Greek Life for the actions of a single chapter? While remaining a valid point, my issue with these blame game tactics is that they reject one of the core philosophies of going Greek: that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. Yes, the other members of your chapter are your sisters or brothers: but what about the other chapters? An AEPhi shares a bond with a Pi Beta Phi girl not because they necessarily know one another – but simply because they both share the same experience. They’re both members of Panhellenic sororities, they both rushed, they both ran home. Maybe not to the same front door, but they both know what it’s like to find a family that welcomes and supports them. These shared experiences mean that throwing one another under the bus in times of crisis is counterproductive to Greek Life goals.
My idea: Come together! Sure, the punishment is harsh and Greek students have every right to be upset, but use this time as a bonding experience between both you and your house and you and other chapters. In this one moment, every single chapter on campus has something in common: take this time to complain together…then work together to make sure this punishment is overcome as quickly and easily as possible.
Focus On What Matters Most!
Much like any group of girls thrown into a house together, no two sorority women are going to be exactly the same; sisters may disagree on politics, clothing styles, maybe even something as simple as how to load the dishwasher. But from my experience meeting the young women here at UCF, there is one thing all sisters share: their love for what they do. Greek or not, the amount of time and effort dedicated to philanthropy by the Greek chapters here at UCF demands respect. The amount of glitter scrubbed out from underneath fingernails at 2 a.m. after making the perfect presents for Bigs and Littles deserves recognition. There is a foundation of love, trust, and philanthropy that serves as the building block for each and every sorority and fraternity on campus. So, these are all good things, right? What do we change?
My idea: Nothing! These crucial aspects of Greek life are the reason so many young men and women sign up in the first place! Going Greek is not about drinking or meeting hot guys, going Greek is about fostering lifetime relationships and genuinely caring about your community! UCF’s ban on Greek Life allows pre-approved philanthropy events…take advantage of them! Getting back to the roots of your chapter may make you feel closer to your sisters and brothers than ever.
Whatever You Do, Do Not…
HAZE! This may not be of much help now, but it will be for generations of sisters down the road. Our life at UCF is short, going Greek means that you leave something of worth behind for years to come. Today, right now, at this very moment, let your legacy be to stop hazing at UCF in its tracks! As fun as some traditions may be (especially those weird ones at family get-togethers), hazing is one tradition that is NOT worth the risk. Imagine what losing one of your own would feel like, and remember that feeling when the topic of hazing is brought up. Take a stand, leave your mark, and remember that there are much better ways to bond with the women standing alongside you…like crafts!