You must have heard or seen students’ houses, clubs or societies in foreign universities where all of the students hang out together, study, play and party together. All of them are called something like Alpha, Beta or Pi something. Well, these are called Greek organization in university or colleges. Almost all big universities have some Greek organizations in campus.
You may not know much about it but it is actually a big thing all around the world and many students dream to become part of a Greek organization because of the cool or open lifestyle they live. There are actually two major types of Greek organizations.
1. Fraternity
2. Sorority
What is Fraternity
A fraternity is a Greek organization or also Greek house only for male students. Whoever gets into a Fraternity becomes a part of Brotherhood, means no sister are made part fraternity. But it does not mean that females are not allowed to enter in activities, parties or in the house.
What is Sorority
Sorority is just like fraternity. It is a Greek house but only for females. Only female students can join a Sorority and become a part of what is called Sisterhood. Just like Fraternities, Sororities also do everything like organizing different activities depending on the type of house and hosting parties.
History of Greek Houses
It all started way back in 1775 in the College of William and Mary located in North America. It was the time when first ever Greek house Fraternity was founded known as Phi Beta Kappa with most elements of today’s fraternities. There were some other societies before Phi Beta Kappa in the same but they were secret societies and not official. After that Phi Beta Kappa started spreading its network making two more of its chapters (houses) in prestigious Harvard University and Yale University.
Again in 1827, two more fraternities, Sigma Phi and Delta Phi, were founded. Now there were total of three fraternities and all of these houses made their foundations in Union College, which came to know as Mother of Fraternities.
As discussed above, females are not allowed to join Fraternities as these are only for males so there had to be some distinct place for females. Then in 1851, first ever Sorority known as Alpha Delta Pi started developing as a fraternity for females. It was a really big step towards female independence as before it women were considered beneath men.
Many people and universities were against group of ladies living in societies and taking part in all activities as before that most of the universities did not even allow admission to females. It was a professor of Latin who did not feel the word female-fraternity right for women and invented the word “Sorority” which was first used by Gamma Phi Beta.
Greek House Activities
Usually when heard about the activities of Fraternities or Sororities, only thing that comes in mind is Parties. But I assure that is not all to it. Greek house’s activities depend on the type of Fraternity or Sorority it is. Some Greek houses are:
· Professional Fraternity or Sorority
· Honor Societies
· Social Fraternity or Sorority
· Literary Fraternity or Sorority
Other than mentioned specification, all fraternities and sororities have a lot activities in common ones are following.
Many Organizational and Associative activities and, of course, host frequent Parties.
Social Events only for active members called “Brotherhoods” or “Sisterhoods” like Camping Trips, Sporting Events and Formal Dinners.
All universities with Fraternities and Sororities conduct an Annual Competition Event called “Greek Week” in which all Fraternities and Sororities in campus take part in series athletic and cultural competition.
In various events, they also raise fund for their house and it is also kind of competitive tradition to see who collects more fund.
Former members of the Fraternity or Sorority also often organize social events like dinners, golf tournaments, and lectures for the active members in their own Chapter or Alumni Clubs.
All active and former members of the Fraternity or Sorority also get together more than once a year especially on the Founding Anniversary of their Chapter or Greek House.
In addition following are the most common shared elements of every Fraternity and Sorority.
1. Secrecy
2. Same gender membership only
3. Selection of new members on a two-part vetting and probationary process known as rushing and pledging
4. Ownership and occupancy of a residential property
5. use of a set of complex identification symbols including Greek letters, armorial achievements, ciphers, badges, grips, hand signs, passwords, flowers, and colors
Pros of Joining Greek Organizations
The major advantage of joining a Fraternity or Sorority is that you will get to meet a lot of new people that helps build a very strong professional networks.
“Brotherhood” and “Sisterhood” concept in Fraternities and Sororities is taken very seriously and they help you in every for the rest of your life.
You get help in studies too. And by the way this house on the right is Alpha Delta Phi House at Conell University.
In your professional life, it will be a good thing on resume as employers prefer those who have taken part in activities as it shows work ethics.
Cons of Joining Greek Organizations
Fraternity and Sorority members, while admired in way, are also disliked by many other students probably because they are jealous of them.
There is excessive alcoholic drinking especially at parties. They go very wild breaking all limits of morals and ethics.
This is the worst part. New or fresh members are put through very difficult tests of ragging, bullying and humiliating especially in selection process.
It get really expensive as you have to take part in all activities in every way. In addition, house, party fund and there many other activities where you will have to chip in.
Greek Terms You Must Know
Active: An undergraduate student member of a fraternity or sorority
Alumna: A member of a sorority who has graduated and does not live in the house.
Alumnus: a member of a fraternity who has graduated and does not live in the house.
Bid: An offer to become a part or pledge of a fraternity or sorority
Chapter room: a room inside a fraternity house that is often secret or hidden, where secret meetings and house rituals (weird stuff depending on the house) are organized.
Colony: a newly established chapter of a national/international fraternity or sorority in the process of organization
Legacy: a rushee who is related to a member of the same fraternity or sorority they are rushing and will almost assuredly be offered a bid.
Local: a fraternity or sorority with only one chapter
National or International: a fraternity or sorority with two or more chapters, both of which are in the same nation in the case of a national, or at least one of which is in a different nation from the others in the case of an international
Pledge: a probationary member of a fraternity or sorority, sometimes also called "associate member.
Rush: the process of enrollment to a fraternity or sorority
Rushee: one who is in the process of seeking a bid
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out together, study, play and party together. All of them are called something like Alpha, Beta or Pi something. Well, these are called Greek organization in university or colleges. Almost all big universities have some Greek organizations in campus.
ever Greek house Fraternity was founded known as Phi Beta Kappa with most elements of today’s fraternities. There were some other societies before Phi Beta Kappa in the same but they were secret societies and not official. After that Phi Beta Kappa started spreading its network making two more of its chapters (houses) in prestigious Harvard University and Yale University.
assure that is not all to it. Greek house’s activities depend on the type of Fraternity or Sorority it is. Some Greek houses are:
very strong professional networks.
