One of the major decisions facing many new students each year is whether to join the greek system.
The media often portray the greek system as centering around ridiculous hazing rituals and crazy keg parties, but that may not be the truth.
Here, hazing is a violation of
the University Student Conduct Code and the houses are all
alcohol free. According to a Greek Life Office brochure, “Being in a
fraternity or sorority is not just about parties. Greeks are some of the most active student leaders on the UO campus.”
The University has 12 nationally-recognized fraternities and nine
nationally-recognized sororities, each different and unique. The fraternities on campus have about 40 members on average, and sororities about ninety, said Sam Centellas, interim advisor for the Greek Life Office. Overall, the numbers of men and women in the greek system are about equal.
Life in the greek system clearly has many pros and cons.
Centellas said that “freshman year can be a difficult year,” and the greek system helps by providing a network of friends, help with academics and by helping students to become a part of campus.
However, going greek is not all about meeting friends. There is also responsibility associated with joining the greek system. Centellas said incoming freshmen can expect
to have about two to six hours per week dedicated to greek
responsibilities. Community service is an integral part of going greek.
“Last year, fraternities accomplished over 9,400 hours and sororities completed over 10,600 hours of service,” according to a Greek Life Office brochure. Each house independently selects an organization to help by either raising money or volunteering time.
Along with community service, academics are a major aspect of the greek system.
A minimum grade point average must be attained by any new member before he or she can be initiated, and all chapters have to maintain an adequate cumulative GPA to enjoy full campus privileges, according to a Greek Life Office brochure.
Another often-overlooked aspect of the greek system is the live-in requirement. Although the length of time varies, most houses require that members live in the house for at least six terms. Exceptions can be made, most commonly for students who study abroad.
The system is open to all students, Centellas said, adding that there is “no type of person that I would say greek life isn’t for.”
For most people involved in the greek community, finding lifelong friends is the most rewarding part.
Alysia Cox, a senior and member of Kappa Delta, said the “camaraderie is immeasurable.”
Students who are interested in finding out more about the greek community, can sign up at http://greeklife.uoregon.edu/.

Steve Novak is a freelance reporter
for the Emerald.