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Just as students have finally learned to adapt to their new class schedule and routine, something else that’s new and exciting is right around the corner: Fall Recruitment. We have all seen television shows and movies where Greek life is perceived in a negative way. Maybe we’ve even seen awful stories on the news or social media networks about hazing and other negative aspects of fraternities or sororities. Some college students also frown upon Greek life, saying that individuals are “paying for friends.” These factors may deter new and uneducated students from even considering Greek life on their college campus, but that isn’t always the case. There are many positive aspects of going Greek.
As a member of a sorority at another campus, I have had the privilege of meeting members of both fraternities and sororities at WVWC and understanding their values from a different perspective. My observations have led me to believe that the Greek life program on campus is wonderful. West Virginia Wesleyan is home to chapters of five national fraternities: Chi Phi, Theta Chi, Theta Xi, Kappa Alpha and Alpha Sigma Phi; it’s also home to chapters of four national sororities: Alpha Delta Pi, Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Gamma Delta and Alpha Xi Delta. Wesleyan’s mission statement for Greek Life, along with additional information, can be found on the school homepage.
Though Greek life is not for everyone, it is the best decision a majority of students have ever made. This feeling is familiar to Panhellenic President Nicole Mertz.
The best thing about going Greek for me was how much love and support I received,” Nicole says. “I had so many people to encourage me to do better in school and take on leadership positions. My sisters have become my support group and have become my second family.”
It’s not all about having a social life, and that’s an important factor to remember. Various studies have shown that Greek life enhances the overall college experience. Belonging to such an organization gives individuals a sense of leadership and citizenship and also opens opportunities for many formal and informal relationships to be made. Approximately one-third of our student body are members of a Greek organization. Signups for Greek life have begun—located outside of the cafeteria everyday during lunch and dinner—and recruitment itself begins September 16.
Keep an open mind. Greek life may just be for you! To learn more about Greek life at Wesleyan, visit the school homepage or get involved with students representing their chapters. You’ll know them by the letters on their shirts!