Q: Why should I join a Greek organization?
A: At first glance, the university experience can seem overwhelming. Joining the Greek community gives students the opportunity to have a support network away from home. The individual chapter will become like a family, and the friendships formed will last a lifetime. By becoming a member of a Greek organization, you will meet people who will grow to be your closest friends, people who will cheer you on when you are successful, and will support you when the going gets tough. Greek organizations promote the development of close ties between members through studying, working and having fun together.
Q: How can Greek Life help you succeed academically?
A: One of the central purposes of sororities is to promote academic excellence among its members. Each organization requires a minimum grade point average to remain an active member of the chapter and each chapter has specific programs designed to help your daughter meet these requirements and achieve academic success. Such scholarship programs include mandatory study hours, tutoring programs, study/test files, incentive programs and study buddies. The grade point average of all sorority women is consistently higher than that of the non-affiliated women at the University of Louisville; we have also established Rho Lambda and Order of Omega honor societies that recognize Greeks with outstanding academics and leadership.
Q: Is there a financial obligation?
A: Joining a sorority does carry a financial commitment. Each chapter is self-supporting through dues paid by its members. In the first year of Greek membership, a few one-time expenses are assessed. After those initial payments are made, your expenses will be the regular chapter dues, which average between $225 and $350 a semester, depending on the individual sorority.
Q: Who is in charge?
A: Sorority members are elected to officer positions and manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. These officers are assisted by members serving on committees and by alumni serving as advisors. All of our sororities are governed by their individual (Inter)National organizations, which offer support, advice, and direction through paid professional staff members and regional volunteers. As well, professional university staff members are employed to assist, educate and monitor the activities of Greek organizations.
Q: What about the use of alcohol and controlled substances, irresponsible behavior and hazing?
A: Every sorority requires its members to obey all local, state, and federal laws, and to abide by the sorority's policies, guidelines and standards. The (Inter)National organizations allocate significant resources to educate their members about alcohol and substance abuse. Alcohol is not permitted in any chapter facility, house, lodge or suite and chapter funds may not be used to purchase alcohol. Hazing is prohibited by law and all of the (Inter)National sororities have policies forbidding hazing in any form; the University of Louisville strictly enforces these policies.
Q: How do Greeks contribute to the community?
A: Each year, sorority women perform thousands of hours of service to the community. Members donate time to help with projects such as Kosair Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Christmas Child, Adopt-A-Highway and Dare to Care Food Drive. Every sorority chapter has its own national and local philanthropies, which they support throughout the year. Chapters hold special events to donate time or raise money with their particular projects, which include Alzheimer's Association, Prevent Child Abuse America, Arthritis Research, Make a Wish Foundation, Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Cabbage Patch Foundation and Links to Literacy. During the 2008 Spring semester, the sorority community donated over 12,900 hours of community service!
Q: How will joining a sorority help me after graduation?
A: In today's competitive job market it is not only important what you know, but perhaps more importantly, who you know. When a woman joins a sorority, she not only becomes friends with the members of that chapter, but also begins building relationships with the families and friends of those members. Members are introduced to sorority alumnae and members from all over the country, as well as members of other Greek organizations. By joining a Greek letter organization, your daughter will create an entire network of friends and acquaintances from which could possibly come a future employer, spouse or lifelong friend.
Q: How do I know who is right for me?
A: Joining a sorority is a big decision - the letters you choose are your letters for life! Be excited because there is so much more to sorority life than just your collegiate years! Here are some questions to ask yourself to make sure that you are making the right decisions:
- Would I like to get to know these women better?
- Did I feel welcome when I walked through the door?
- Were the members pleasant and friendly?
- Do I feel comfortable with these women?
- Are they genuine?
- What can I gain from membership in this group?
- What can I contribute to this group?
- Can I afford the financial obligations of this group?
- Can I call these women my sisters?
- Do they stress the things that are important to me?
- What do I want in a sorority? Are these qualities present?
Q: What should I talk about during Recruitment?
A: We're glad you asked! Here are some helpful hints as to what you should ask when going through recruitment:
- How much time per week will I spend with the chapter during my new member period? As an active?
- What types of events will I participate in during the new member period?
- How much does your organization cost during the new member period? How much for actives?
- What type of relationship do you have with your alumnae?
- Do you hold any events where my parents/family can get to know the sorority?
- What type of service do you do?
- How much emphasis does your chapter place on scholarship?
- What if I can't attend every meeting?
- What events are mandatory and what is optional?
- What leadership opportunities exist within your organization?
- What types of community service events do you hold?
- What other activities are people in your chapter involved in on campus?
- Are there scholarships for new members or active members?
- What values are important to your organization?
- What is your new member education/orientation program like?
- How will your organization help me after college?
- What makes your chapter unique?